First impressions matter, so keep your social media accounts and your reputation clean and classy when searching for a job.

Technology has changed the way people interact, but there is one rule it cannot change: First impressions matter.

When students set out as job seekers, it is important they remember that a prospective employer’s first impression of them is often lasting. In fact, that first impression can set the stage for something else that lasts: their professional reputation, says Suzanne Scott-Trammell, executive director of Career and Professional Development at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“The world in which we live involves using social media to background-check and research candidates before the first call is even made to phone-screen candidates,” Scott-Trammell said. “More than 90 percent of recruiters use social media and will look at your social profiles.”

Close to eight recruiters out of 10 have already hired through social media, Scott-Trammell says, citing recent statistics on the use of social media and recruiting. An overwhelming majority of 18- to 34-year-olds found their last job through a social network. What that means, she says, is a little caution and thought can prevent a lot of frustration and embarrassment in the professional world.

“Don’t do something today you may regret later,” she said. Here are her tips to keep a social media footprint clean and classy:

Ditch the drink

“The red plastic cup: It’s so ubiquitous, there’s even a song written about it. But in the world of social media networking, it may be a better idea to put the cup down. The same goes for the beer bottle or wine glass. Take a second and put the drink down, or out of the frame. A little caution will protect your professional reputation and result in a more polished photograph, regardless.”

What are you wearing?

“You’ll be better off leaving pics that flash your flesh offline. Skip the bikini, cleavage, bare chest or short-shorts shots, and forget about ever taking photos in the buff. As many have learned the hard way, those photos can come back to haunt you.”

Lock it down

“Explore your privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter and other social sharing sites. Make sure that, when friends tag you in photos, you have the chance to approve the photo before it posts to your timeline. Limit your profile to the public, keeping it open only to approved and known friends. It wouldn’t hurt to ask friends to allow you to preview any photos of yourself before they hit the Internet.”

Watch your language

“Maybe you’re joking with friends, or maybe someone ticked you off. Perhaps you have strong feelings about a current event. Social media is not the place to air it. Curse words, insults, recklessly worded opinions or an airing of grievances could cause more problems than you think.”

Don’t burn your bridges

“The boss or colleague you complain about online today could be the person you need a reference from tomorrow. Professional relationships within certain geographical areas or career fields can last for years; it isn’t unusual to meet up with the same person throughout the years. And you may have many ‘friends’ in common. So keep your tongue in check, and vent with a trusted friend in real life.”

]]>thomason@uab.edu (Shannon Thomason)News You Can UseFri, 27 Mar 2015 09:46:54 -0500How to get the internship you wanthttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5831-how-to-get-the-internship-you-want
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5831-how-to-get-the-internship-you-want

Internships are today’s entry-level jobs, and at least 65 percent of students who intern receive job offers. Here are pointers on how to secure one.

Gaining professional experience while still a student is essential for today’s job market, and an internship is the modern-day equivalent of an entry-level position.

More than 75 percent of employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience, and at least 65 percent of students who intern receive permanent job offers, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2014 Internship and Co-op Survey.

Scott-Trammell says internships should be conducted between the sophomore and junior years of college, then again between the junior and senior years, ideally. This gives students two opportunities to gain critical skills and to network in their chosen career fields.

The first step, before contacting potential employers, is to develop a personal elevator pitch: Sum up your skills, talents and goals in less than two minutes. “This will help you become comfortable when reaching out to employers, alumni or contacts, so you can clearly and concisely let them know how they can help you.”

More than 75 percent of employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience, and at least 65 percent of students who intern receive permanent job offers, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2014 Internship and Co-op Survey.

Know what skills you lack, and work on learning them. “That will lead to better employment prospects upon graduation. It’s also good to know the leading organizations in your field. Having those on a resume grabs attention.”

Then, create a target list of organizations or professionals in your desired field, and reach out to them. “Set goals on what you need from each person. These meetings are most effective when you talk with them about their career choices and advice they can share.”

Around 80 percent of all jobs are found through networking, which applies for internships even more so, Scott-Trammell says.

Preparation is the key. “You get only one chance to make a great first impression, so make sure it counts and present yourself as a confident, well-spoken student with a firm handshake and good eye contact. That will begin the kind of professional reputation you want to create.”

Make sure you follow up after the meeting. “Send a thank-you card or email. Reiterate specific points of interest or topics you discussed. This communicates the type of employee or intern you will be with attention to detail and a professional manner. This also begins a reputation that will be hard to forget, and that’s your goal — to present yourself as the confident, articulate problem-solver you have become.”

Whether an intern should be paid or not is a topic often debated, and it often depends on the field and the competition, Scott-Trammell says. But by looking only for a paid internship, you may be limiting yourself.

“There are laws in place to ensure students aren’t being taken advantage of and aren’t acting as a substitute for a permanent employee,” she said. “However, the most important factor to keep in mind is the long-term value of the internship. The time invested in the experience will typically pay out in a quicker and better job offer upon graduation. If you demonstrate you have the skills being sought, you will create a greater demand for yourself and make yourself more employable.”

Scott-Trammell urges students and job seekers to remember that “everything you do and that you present on your resume is an indication of the type of employee you will be.

“Employers want employees who are strong critical thinkers, are flexible, take initiative, and have a strong work ethic, meaning that you show up on time, are consistently reliable, are a strong team player and are committed to getting the job done. All of these characteristics can be communicated in the interview and in your resume, and they are the strongest desires of employers.”

UAB’s DragonTrail Jobs currently has 153 internships in the system and 377 entry-level positions. UAB students who want to learn how to secure or identify an internship can reach out to Career and Professional Development for help with success strategies and opportunities to gain experience in their field. Call 205-934-4324 or email careerservices@uab.edu.

“When community protection against measles is weakened because not enough people have been immunized against it, and then you get them together in a central location where they can be exposed to cases imported by travelers from other parts of the world, it’s like throwing matches on dry leaves,” Kimberlin said. “Once measles has gained such a foothold, it spreads extremely easily, and so I anticipate that, unfortunately, we will be seeing a whole lot more cases.”

“People increasingly do not take lifesaving opportunities that our medical scientific advancements created, and it’s really unfortunate because it’s our children who end up paying the price.”

Measles is still common in various countries where vaccine rates are lower, Kimberlin says, which is why importations pose such a threat, in this disease as well as all other vaccine-preventable diseases.

First available in 1971, the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, is given in two doses to prevent measles. Kimberlin says:

Prior to the introduction of the MMR vaccine, around 500 children died from the measles annually in the United States.

Infants under 12 months old and older children with weakened immune systems due to cancer cannot receive the immunization.

The MMR vaccine rate in a community needs to be at least 95 percent to protect those who cannot be immunized and prevent spread.

Kimberlin believes misperceptions about the MMR vaccine are the root of outbreaks in the U.S., and he hopes parents will talk to their children’s physicians to become better informed on the immunization.

“This outbreak is the poster child of why we need to immunize, and it may or may not be this outbreak; but there will be a major measles epidemic unless something changes,” Kimberlin said. “People increasingly do not take lifesaving opportunities that our medical scientific advancements created, and it’s really unfortunate because it’s our children who end up paying the price.”

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseTue, 27 Jan 2015 11:48:54 -0600Readiness to change is a vital facet to committing to New Year’s resolutionshttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5619-readiness-to-change-is-a-vital-facet-to-committing-to-new-year-s-resolutions
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5619-readiness-to-change-is-a-vital-facet-to-committing-to-new-year-s-resolutions

Whether it is losing weight or quitting smoking, UAB’s employee wellness director says it can be done with the will to do so.

Wanting to lose weight or quit smoking are often resolutions made at the beginning of the New Year. One University of Alabama at Birmingham wellness expert says there is a key ingredient to being successful health-wise in the coming year.

About half of the most popular resolutions made each year are health-related, according to the United States government. In addition to losing weight and quitting smoking, they include eating healthier foods, getting fit, managing stress and drinking less alcohol.

Meg Baker, director of UAB Employee Wellness, says while the focus on self-improvement is good, an individual must be ready to make a change in order to actually do so.

“Readiness to change is a big factor,” Baker said. “Based on the stages of change model: precontemplation (unwilling to make a change), contemplation (considering lifestyle change) and action, you have to want to change your lifestyle to successfully improve your health.”

To help prepare for any lifestyle change, Baker offers some tips:

Develop small, short-term goals that will fit into your schedule; these should be realistic.

Consider the benefits and reasons for the change.

Talk to a family member, friend or co-worker about goals; this accountability will increase the likelihood of your staying committed to a new gym regimen or smoking cessation plan, and they may want to join you.

Additionally, Baker says, because so much time is spent at work, it is a good idea to consider signing up for workplace wellness programs, if offered.

“Many companies want to see their employees thrive, so they will offer incentives to help them improve their health, like the My Health Rewards program we are starting at UAB,” Baker said. “Talk to your supervisor or human resources representative to find out if a program is available to you.”

If after a while old habits start to creep up again, think about why the change was sought.

“Whether it is to boost your energy level, improve mood, combat health conditions and disease, or to be there for your kids’ future, there’s always a reason that a resolution was made,” Baker said. “So when the going gets tough, remind yourself of why you’re making a lifestyle change, and this will keep you motivated.”

Also, consider modifications to the new plan.

“If the new behavior has lost its luster, switch things up,” Baker said. “Variety is the key to life and can keep you from getting burned out. Spice things up by changing your normal exercise routine, finding new healthy recipes online or joining a new class.”

UAB researchers present warning signs that can be seen when an older adult begins to lose the ability to manage finances – which could indicate dementia.

Many Americans have struggled with the thorny issue of suggesting an elderly loved one should give up the car keys, but experts suggest caregivers may also need to be mindful of seniors’ ability to manage their own money.

“Financial capacity has emerged as a key activity of daily living in understanding functional impairment and decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment — or MCI — and dementia,” said Daniel Marson, Ph.D., J.D., professor in the Department of Neurology and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “The capacity to manage one’s own financial affairs is critical to success in independent living. Impairments in financial skills and judgment are often the first functional changes demonstrated by patients with incipient dementia. And breakdowns in financial management skills can be devastating.”

Patients with MCI typically still are functioning in the community with focal memory or other cognitive impairments but are beginning to show initial signs of functional decline. Since 2000, Marson and his group have published a number of empirical studies detailing impairments of financial skills in patients with MCI and Alzheimer’s disease.

At an October symposium organized jointly by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab and Transamerica called “Financial Planning in the Shadow of Dementia,” Marson presented five clinical warning signs of financial decline that family members and caregivers of elderly persons should recognize. Marson noted that these warning signs should represent changes from the older person’s prior baseline financial skills.

Memory lapses, such as forgetting to pay bills or taxes, or paying bills twice.

Poor organization of financial information flow, where a previously neat desk is now in disarray and disorganized. An individual might be confused about when an activity transpired, and mail might not be opened in a timely manner.

Math mistakes in everyday life, such as figuring out a tip, balancing a checkbook or needing help with the steps of a calculation.

Confusion, such as an erosion in the ability to comprehend basic financial concepts.

Impaired financial judgment, particularly a new interest in get-rich-quick schemes. A classic sign is that the person would not have considered the scheme five years ago and is now listening and interested. Another sign is unrealistic anxiety about personal finances.

In response to these changes, Marson suggests that caregivers can oversee an older person’s checking transactions, contact the bank to detect irregularities such as bills’ being paid twice, or become co-signers on a checking account so that joint signature is required for checks above a certain amount. Online banking and bill-payment services are additional options for families.

In 2009, Marson and his group published a major paper on declining financial capacity in MCI and progression to Alzheimer’s, which involved a tool developed at UAB called the Financial Capacity Instrument. The FCI measures financial skills across 20 tasks, including making investment decisions, understanding a bank statement, balancing a checkbook, paying bills, preparing bills for mailing, and counting coins and currency.

Flu season can peak as early as December, so now is the time to protect against it by receiving a flu vaccine. Find out what UAB doctors say is important to know.

Despite infectious diseases like Ebola and enterovirus D68 garnering a lot of attention this year, doctors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say influenza remains a greater threat in the United States.

With one simple step, they say, flu is one virus that can be protected against.

“What we are seeing is how important the U.S. public health system is and how important it is for patients to do what they’re able to do to keep themselves healthy and protected against diseases that can be quite serious,” Russell said. “With influenza, the most important thing a person can do is get a flu vaccine.”

It is estimated that 5-20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 1976 and 2006, flu-associated deaths ranged from about 3,000-49,000 people each year.

“Many flu-related deaths are preventable if patients would just take the time to get a flu shot or spray to protect themselves and others from the spread of this virus,” Russell said. “Now is a great time to get vaccinated, as the season will likely peak between December and February.”

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. People 65 years and older, pregnant women, caregivers, and people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. People 65 years and older, pregnant women, caregivers, and people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

Flu shot facts:

The vaccine is a killed virus, meaning it will not cause sickness, Russell says.

You must get vaccinated each year to be properly protected, even if last year’s shot covered the same strains prevalent this year.

Nervous about shots? Russell says the flu vaccine nasal spray is an effective, live-virus vaccine changed to not cause infection.

“All people 6 months or older in the United States should receive the vaccine unless their doctor says otherwise,” Kimberlin said. “The flu vaccine will save lives.”

Kimberlin says, no matter the outlook for a particular flu season, the recommendation to protect oneself must be followed, especially for the sake of children’s health.

“Parents should definitely follow CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and have all children 6 months and older receive their annual influenza vaccine, as they are an at-risk population,” Kimberlin said. “We were seeing shortages around the United States delay the delivery of vaccine, so I encourage families to call ahead to their health care provider to ensure it is available.”

While Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children and teenagers, it also presents challenges for parents concerned with safety. Halloween can be safe and fun for all involved.

“Children should enjoy the holiday,” said David Schwebel, Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham psychologist and director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab. “It should be a fun time for family and friends, but safety is important too. Parents need to think about safety on the roads, safety with pumpkin carving and safety with candy.”

This year’s Halloween is on a Friday night, which is important to keep in mind, according to Schwebel.

“There are many different safety issues to take into consideration, such as making sure children aren’t out late unsupervised with the holiday falling on a weekend night this year,” Schwebel said. “Because school isn’t in session the following day, parents may be tempted to allow children to stay out later than usual.”

Schwebel cautions that allowing children to stay out late unsupervised is not safer on a holiday than it would be on any other day.

Schwebel offers additional tips that parents can follow to help ensure this Halloween is a safe one:

Jack-o’-Lanterns

Adults can teach older children to cut jack-o’-lanterns and light candles.

Younger children can scoop out the seeds and draw designs on the pumpkins with a marker.

Trick-or-Treating

Wear light clothing and reflective strips, and carry a flashlight.

Children should be supervised by an adult until the age of 10.

Look both ways, and cross the street only at crosswalks.

Halloween Costumes

Wear costumes that do not restrict vision.

Make sure that costumes and shoes permit safe, comfortable walking.

Avoid loose hanging clothing that could catch fire near candles.

Do not overdo it with scary costumes for and around younger children. Young children can be sensitive to unfamiliar, scary things, so caution should be used to avoid anxiety.

Motorists

Watch for children.

Drive more slowly than usual.

Avoid distractions while driving.

Safe Candy

Inspect all candy before it is eaten, and discard treats that are not sealed tightly.

Fruit should be thrown away, or else peeled, washed carefully and cut into small pieces.

Research is inconclusive as to why SIDS occurs, but some articles have suggested there may be parental knowledge or compliance deficits.

UAB Women & Infant nurses Amber Timmons (left) and Brooke Young.Sudden infant death syndrome is the leading cause of death for babies between the ages of 1 month and a year, with 90 percent of SIDS deaths occurring before the baby reaches 6 months of age. Research is inconclusive as to why SIDS occurs, but some have suggested there may be parental knowledge or compliance deficits.

“We don’t know what causes SIDS, and there is all kinds of speculation out there as to why it occurs — everything from babies’ faces being down near the bed sheet to whether the baby is rebreathing the carbon dioxide,” said Freda Centor, advanced nursing coordinator for UAB Women and Infants Services and lead investigator for the project. “Our current project is pioneering work in our city. We are educating parents on sleeping practices we know to be safe, and we are documenting the knowledge and compliance of our families after they leave.”

UAB is educating moms and other family members prior to their leaving the hospital that babies must sleep on their backs, as well as addressing the issue in the community with active engagement and advertising.

UAB Women and Infants Center nurses teach mothers the proper way to lay their babies down to sleep while they are in the hospital and again before they are discharged. The biggest component of this is putting the baby on his or her back every time the baby goes to sleep.

Click to enlarge“We also recommend they use wearable blankets that fit closely to the baby and zip up so there will not be an issue with blankets’ potentially covering the baby’s face,” Centor said. “Also, we tell them no fluff — no pillows, no bumper pads, no toys in bed with the baby. They need a firm mattress with a well-fitting sheet.”

Upon discharge, nurses ask moms if they would be willing to take part in the research study. If the mom says yes, she gets a two-question test of knowledge based on what she has just been taught.

The first question: “What side should the baby always be put on when the baby goes to sleep?” The choices are back, side and stomach.

The second question: “Whom do you need to tell about this?” Moms are given a list of options that includes “my husband, baby’s father, my mother, my aunt, day care center” and others. The last option is all of the above. Those who participate are given a T-shirt for the baby that says “This side up” on the front and “Back to sleep” on the back.

“What we’re showing by doing this is that the moms have knowledge,” Centor said. “Then, two to three months after Mom and baby go home, we give them a phone call and ask one question: ‘What side did you put your baby on to sleep last night?’ This tells us whether they are being compliant.”

Centor has logged more than 1,500 responses in the first three years, and the vast majority — more than 98 percent — report that they put their babies on their backs to sleep.

“Those who answered in a noncompliant way, who say they put their babies on their sides or stomachs, have said they know they are not supposed to do that, but that their babies cry when they put them on their backs,” Centor said.

The community outreach includes a project called SIDS Sundays and specifically targets the Birmingham African-American community. Black babies die from SIDS at twice the rate of white babies, and the medical reasons for this are unknown. Centor believes it could possibly be because of long-held beliefs that go back generations when children were placed on their stomachs to sleep.

“That’s why the community piece of this project is so important,” Centor said. “In partnership with the Birmingham Black Nurses Association, we have a health educator who regularly goes out to the African-American churches in the community and teaches women and men the proper way to lay a baby down to sleep. We pass out literature and bags that say ‘I put my baby on his back to sleep’ on the side of them. We hope they will carry those bags in the community when they go shopping or to the park and that others will ask about them.”

An advertising component will be coming soon in the Birmingham area. The plan is to purchase ads that will be displayed prominently on area buses that frequent black communities.

“We also continue to train our staff and others around the state on the latest SIDS information,” Centor said. “We’ve spoken at the March of Dimes, UAB Progress and numerous statewide conferences, and we hope to speak at the national Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses conference next summer. This is an easy research project with a huge potential payoff — saving babies’ lives. We want to share with everyone we can.”

Critical matchups, tight games and crushing defeats provide heightened sensory inputs that trigger sympathetic responses and the release of adrenaline, which can reduce blood flow to the heart and other muscles and increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Chronic high levels of stress hormones lead to higher heart rates and higher blood pressures that over time tend to cause the heart to thicken, just as any other muscle would in response to heavy workloads.

“The body doesn’t distinguish between ‘bad’ stress from life or work and ‘good’ stress caused by game-day excitement,” Gilchrist said. “It impacts your health either way.”

In addition to the effects of stress on the body, some add insult to injury by eating and drinking more than they should while cheering on their favorite teams. Moderation is the key, but people tend to eat more under stress.

“Some people are stress eaters, and others tend to eat more when watching TV,” Gilchrist said. “They are distracted by the entertainment and don’t realize how much they’re eating, and they don’t listen to their brains telling them they are full.”

Alcohol can further complicate matters, particularly for heart patients.

“Since alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it can alter the way heart medications and other drugs work in the body,” Gilchrist said.

Drug interactions aside, physicians generally recommend limiting alcohol intake to two drinks per day, for both dietary and behavioral reasons.

“Binge drinking is bad because alcohol contains empty calories,” Gilchrist said. “Since alcohol decreases your inhibitions, you are more likely to overeat or eat things that you might normally avoid. You can try substituting light beers for regular beers, or mix a half glass of wine with seltzer to make it go further.”

Gilchrist recommends several tips to keep these issues under control while watching the big game:

Help minimize stress by watching the game with people you enjoy.

Knock out a few pushups and situps during commercial breaks.

Chew gum or squeeze a stress ball to reduce anxiety and smooth out your emotions.

Take a brief walk at halftime, or if you are attending the game, take a walk around the stadium or to another section to meet a friend.

Manage your net dietary intake by planning ahead and making healthier choices at other times of day in anticipation of splurging a bit during the game.

If tailgating at the stadium, try to conserve calories earlier in the day.

If tailgating at home, consider using vegetables in place of chips for dips, and substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese dips.

Because sodium causes fluid retention — something especially bad for heart patients — a good rule of thumb is to avoid foods that have more than 1 mg of sodium per calorie. At about 0.5 mg of sodium per calorie, natural foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables generally contain much less, so opt for them whenever possible.

“Even the smallest choices can have a positive impact on your health, so make a point to incorporate many small changes rather than setting unrealistic goals, such as staying away from fun foods altogether,” Gilchrist said.

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the most extensive known outbreak of this disease. While the risk of globalization is low, says one UAB expert, awareness is important.

Disease outbreaks can come on suddenly or slowly over time, and one University of Alabama at Birmingham global health expert says the heightened sense of awareness they cause is warranted.

Currently making headlines is the Ebola virus, which causes a severe, often fatal illness in humans that arises primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa in areas where fruit bats are eaten, according to the World Health Organization.

“Ebola outbreaks are so dramatic because the case fatality rates, or the percentage of people with a certain disease who die from it, can be up to 90 percent,” Wilson said, noting that this current outbreak is at about 60 percent. “It causes many affected to die, and they die in a dramatic and rapid manner in areas where there is little medical support.”

The concern with this recent outbreak, Wilson says, is that it has moved into more populated areas compared to prior, more geographically remote rural areas.

“The areas of Africa getting hit hardest by Ebola right now need resources to combat the disease, but that is expensive as those items don’t exist in that country,” Wilson said. “Many of the basic items needed relate to infrastructure and include running water, intravenous fluids, gloves, masks and established good infection control practices.”

Wilson says the current situation is compounded by local burial practices and even beliefs around what causes disease.

“There are now attempts to scale up to meet the infrastructure needs, including the more elaborate protective gear used when handling large numbers of cases and bodies,” Wilson said. “The issue has been two-sided as the recognition of the severity and extent of the outbreak was underestimated for months, and this outbreak is occurring in areas that had not seen prior outbreaks.”

“Yes, there is potential for someone traveling in Africa to be exposed to Ebola and then bring it back to the U.S., which is why we need to remain alert. But generally we do not have to worry about it here in the United States on a population basis, because as soon as a case is identified, even standard infection control practices that exist in all health care facilities would substantially contain the disease.”

Wilson says having resources available is what will keep the United States shielded from the dangers of Ebola.

“Yes, there is potential for someone traveling in Africa to be exposed to Ebola and then bring it back to the U.S., which is why we need to remain alert,” Wilson said. “But generally we do not have to worry about it here in the United States on a population basis, because as soon as a case is identified, even standard infection control practices that exist in all health care facilities would substantially contain the disease.”

Ebola is harder to contract than many viruses.

“The difference with Ebola compared to something like influenza is that Ebola transmission requires direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids, and it is not transmitted via aerosol,” Wilson said. “So there is little to no concern about someone with Ebola traveling on a plane and infecting a planeload of people.”

As far as outbreaks go, Wilson says influenza can cause some of the worst.

“Influenza epidemics are scarier because of just how easily flu can be spread from human to human, and the death rate can change on a yearly basis,” Wilson said. “Recall that as recently as 2009, over 550,000 deaths occurred worldwide in 75 countries from the H1N1 strain. Here we are approaching 1,000 deaths, which is how many people die of HIV every hour globally.”

Wilson says, when comparing Ebola to other disease outbreaks, it is far worse than chikungunya, a more regional emerging epidemic, as chikungunya — although debilitating — is rarely fatal. Another disease emerging regionally as well as globally is dengue fever, where a first infection is rarely fatal and a second exposure is generally the more severe form of the disease.

“These two diseases have remained more contained given they are transmitted only via mosquitoes,” Wilson said.

To stay safe, Wilson suggests the following tips:

If you are traveling out of the country, first visit a travelers’ health clinic to learn more about travel medical needs.

If a vaccine exists for a specific disease and you have not received it — for example the yearly flu vaccination — ask your doctor if you should get it.

If you show symptoms of infection from a disease following international travel, see a doctor immediately.

“There’s been a lot learned over the years as disease outbreaks have occurred, so thankfully we’ve been able to put an infrastructure into place to best approach infection control,” Wilson said. “We have very solid standard approaches for many of these challenges.”

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseThu, 14 Aug 2014 08:58:00 -0500Start of school year an excellent time to reinforce good dental care habits in childrenhttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5072-start-of-school-year-an-excellent-time-to-reinforce-good-dental-care-habits-in-children
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5072-start-of-school-year-an-excellent-time-to-reinforce-good-dental-care-habits-in-children

Parents should consider flavored waters and reduced-fat milk in lieu of fruit juices for lunches. School teachers also can reinforce positive overall health habits.

Parents play the key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine, says University of Alabama at Birmingham pediatric dentist Stephen Mitchell, DMD, and the beginning of the school year is always a great time to begin or reinforce correct oral care techniques.

“This is the time of year when many parents and children begin daily routines, and it’s a good time for children to get into the habit of brushing their teeth in the morning and at night before they go to bed if they don’t do so already,” said Mitchell, director of Predoctoral Pediatric Dentistry in UAB’s School of Dentistry. “Help your kids develop the habit of doing their best brushing of the day just before bed so they sleep with clean mouths. Parents really should actively lead and supervise their children’s toothbrushing for the first 12 years or so of life, until their motor and mental functions allow them to routinely perform a proper toothbrushing technique on their own.”

Sending children back to school also creates oral health challenges, including lunch habits, protecting children who play sports and how often to floss.

Mitchell says parents should take charge in each of these areas.

Lunch habits: “Chocolate milk and fruit juices sound and maybe even taste great, but look at how many calories are packed into the bottle,” Mitchell said. “Consider flavored waters and 2 percent or skim milk instead.”

Sports: Football is not the only sport in which children should wear mouth guards. “Soccer, karate, basketball and lacrosse also are high-impact sports,” Mitchell said. “Don’t forget to protect kids playing these sports too.”

“Three brushings a day helps with fresh breath, but does not do more for tooth health than two good brushings. The only exception would be if your child has braces. Children with braces that tend to collect food may want to have that third brushing.”

When to brush and floss: Mitchell says, if your children are brushing well before school and before bed, do not feel pressured to make them take a brush to school for after lunch. “Three brushings a day helps with fresh breath, but does not do more for tooth health than two good brushings,” Mitchell said. “The only exception would be if your child has braces. Children with braces that tend to collect food may want to have that third brushing.” Mitchell says one good flossing per day should be plenty. “If your child’s teeth do not touch a neighboring tooth, the toothbrush will clean them very well; but if they touch their neighbor, you will need to floss,” he said. “At night before bed is generally best.”

Mitchell says teachers and administrators also have an opportunity to reinforce positive oral health habits by teaching good nutrition.

“Schools with access to gardens that can teach how to raise fresh fruits and vegetables will help children learn how to feed themselves without relying on those cheap processed foods,” Mitchell said. “Add in a little about brushing and flossing if there is time, but focus more on total nutrition.”

Mitchell also says a teacher who identifies a child with tooth decay or other oral deficiencies should encourage the family to get help; it will very likely improve the child’s classroom learning and benefit his or her health.

“Studies clearly show that children with active dental pain do not learn well in the classroom,” Mitchell said. “And, honestly, who could focus and pay attention with a throbbing tooth?”

Alabama consumers can better respond to cases of identity theft when equipped with knowledge of reporting process.

In the wake of yet another major online security breach, millions of individuals worldwide are left with the daunting task of safely restoring stolen identities. Knowing what to report and how to do it can be a tricky process to navigate.

University of Alabama at Birmingham information security expert Gary Warner believes all consumers can benefit from learning the basics of how to report suspected identity theft. Although a report published by the Federal Trade Commission shows that most Alabama cities reported a decrease in identity-theft claims in 2013, Warner says that may not necessarily be good news for consumers in our state.

Warner, director of research in computer forensics at UAB, says a decrease in claims also could point to a lack of knowledge of the reporting process by consumers. Consumers may not be filing claims simply because they are unaware of what to do when they suspect identity theft.

In addition, this decrease in claims is not representative of all Alabama metropolitan areas. Montgomery is ranked near the top of the list of metropolitan areas reporting identity theft in 2013, coming in at No. 5. The Columbus, Ga., Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes one county in Alabama, is ranked No. 2, rising 13 spots from 2012.

Warner says that that consumers can help themselves and others by being proactive about reporting suspected cases of identity theft and educating themselves about the process.

“You will want to call your local police to let them know about the crimes against you,” Warner said. “If someone has stolen your identity or has scammed you, it’s likely they are targeting others as well.”

Beyond notifying the police, there are a number of steps that can be taken to combat suspected identity theft:

Notify a credit-reporting company and request a fraud alert on your credit report. This will help make it harder for an identity thief to open more accounts in your name.

Order your credit reports so that you can monitor any fraudulent charges or inquiries made in your name.

Create an identity-theft report by filing a complaint with the FTC and printing the completed report, the identity-theft affidavit, to use in filing a police report.

Order a credit freeze on your credit file, which would prohibit anyone from opening new accounts, applying for credit or anything else that requires your credit report.

Report the loss or theft of a credit, ATM or debit card immediately to limit your liability for unauthorized charges.

Begin repairing your credit by reporting any errors on your credit report with the credit reporting company and the fraud department of each business.

]]>kshonesy@uab.edu (Katherine Shonesy)News You Can UseWed, 06 Aug 2014 15:35:36 -0500Don’t let head lice get the best of your family this school yearhttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5041-don-t-let-head-lice-get-the-best-of-your-family-this-school-year
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Lice are highly contagious and tough to treat and remove. Here are some facts, tips and personal experiences with the tiny, parasitic insects.

Click to enlargeThe bell is about to ring for the first time for the upcoming school year, meaning maladies, ailments and other health nuisances are coming soon.

One of those annoyances comes in the form of head lice — itchy, bothersome, parasitic insects that live solely on the scalp hair of humans and usually on children 10 and younger. As do all insects, head lice develop in stages from egg, or nit, to nymph and finally to louse.

There are many fallacies about lice, says D’Ann Somerall, DNP, an assistant professor and family nurse practitioner specialty track coordinator in the University of Alabama at BirminghamSchool of Nursing. The biggest misconception, Somerall says, is that lice are a problem only for the poor.

“It has nothing to do with how clean or dirty your home or school may be, or how clean or dirty your kids may be,” Somerall said. “Affluent schools, rural schools, urban schools — anyone from any socioeconomic background can get head lice, no matter how clean their hair or home.”

Somerall, a mother of six children, experienced firsthand the issues lice can create in her own home. Her oldest daughter came home from school one day and was violently scratching the back of her head. When Somerall first looked, she believed it was dandruff. A closer inspection revealed that it was actually nits, the eggs lice leave behind.

“My daughter has really thick hair, and when we pulled it up and looked, she had probably thousands of nits in her hair,” Somerall said. “Of course I was mortified at first. I had no idea she had them. But it is not something parents should panic about. You can take care of it. It is tedious because treatment can play out over the course of days and weeks, but it can be done. The main thing is to recognize, identify and treat as soon as possible.”

The first sign that lice may be an issue is bad itching on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Children with long, thick hair also are more prone to acquire lice. The bugs are more difficult to see than the nits, which can be white or dark. If they are dark, it means the louse is inside of the egg. If nits are white, it means the louse has hatched.

Because the nits are bloodsuckers, they are typically found one-quarter of an inch from the skin. The louse itself is hard to find in part because of its size and because it travels quickly, moving up to nine inches in one minute.

Somerall says all infested persons and their bedmates should be treated at the same time. Rid and Nix are popular over-the-counter medications used to treat lice; but if crawling lice are still seen after a full-course treatment, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider. Parents with children age 2 and younger should call their pediatrician before using any over-the-counter treatment for lice.

Home remedies to treat lice, including the use of mayonnaise, vinegar or petroleum jelly in the hair and covering with a shower cap for several hours or days, do not work, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, Somerall says one of the home remedies did work for her daughter.

“It was a moment of desperation, really, because we used over-the-counter products to treat, and we thought they were all gone until a hairdresser found them again while my daughter was getting her hair cut,” Somerall said. “We covered her head in Vaseline and put a shower cap on for eight hours, and it did get rid of them.”

Somerall also says to use a lice comb on your child’s hair as directed, including after you get rid of the lice.

“It’s best to use a metal comb instead of a plastic one,” Somerall said. “Remember that lice infestation can be an ongoing battle, especially in group settings. There’s no doubt that they can be hard bugs to get rid of, so being persistent and following the directions of the medications used to treat your child’s hair is key.”

If you suspect your child does have lice, Somerall says you should check with the school nurse or child care center director to see if other kids have recently been treated for lice. If you discover that your child does have lice or nits, contact the staff at the school or child care center to let them know and to find out what their return policy is.

More information on the treatment of lice is available at www.cdc.gov.

]]>traci@uab.edu (Traci Bratton)News You Can UseWed, 06 Aug 2014 08:00:39 -0500Set kids on the path to school year success with tips from UAB expertshttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5040-set-kids-on-the-path-to-school-year-success-with-tips-from-uab-experts
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As kids prepare to go back to school, UAB experts say planning ahead with these tips can help children reach academic and personal goals.

Before the first day of classes even starts there are often several purchases to be made, from school supplies to new clothes and accessories. UAB Collat School of Business instructor Elizabeth Turnbull, MBA, suggests the following to help avoid breaking the bank:

Use promotional products like pens and stationery and art supplies that are already lying around the house.

Buy in bulk with other families and split the cost; if you have several kids, keep a school supply basket or closet to save bulk items.

Involve the kids in purchasing attire and other needs; teach them budgeting now to set them up for an understanding of personal finances.

Breaking bad summer-sleep habits like late nights and too few hours of slumber should happen ahead of the first day of school because a good night’s sleep improves overall performance, says Kristin Avis, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, adding:

Kids should get nine hours of sleep nightly.

Bedtime and rise time should be consistent seven days a week.

Avoid sleeping in on the weekend; it can cause struggle when trying to get back on a sleep schedule come Monday.

Make plans for the school year ahead with your child, says Shirley Ginwright, administrator and program director for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Center for Community Outreach Development. Parents who are active in their children’s schooling ensure children will reach their potential in academic and personal goals.

Establish benchmarks that will help them stay focused, and provide positive reinforcement each time goals are met.

Ask about your children’s day at school; discuss what they learned, help with their homework, read with them, and help them to prepare for the next day.

Take action; talk to your children’s teachers, principal, counselors and support staff for ideas on reinforcing educational goals.

Continually and positively reinforce your expectations throughout the school year.

Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor of human studies in the UAB School of Education, says studies show that extracurricular activities have positive correlations to school attachment, school completion and graduation, and grade-point average.

Find an activity that your child enjoys; it should be a pleasure, not a pain, for kids to participate.

Consider recreational sports teams to help kids get some aerobic activity and muscular strength.

Have after-school fun at home by walking, biking and hiking; get the whole family involved.

Do not forget the arts; a more outgoing, athletic student may enjoy dance classes or acting, and a child who prefers to work more independently could get involved with music or creative writing.

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseMon, 04 Aug 2014 09:46:51 -0500Reminder for adults: Immunizations are still needed and can be lifesavinghttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/5006-reminder-for-adults-immunizations-are-still-needed-and-can-be-lifesaving
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Though kids often stay on track with receiving vaccines due to school requirements, with no system in place, adult rates remain low, according to one UAB expert.

As kids prepare to head back to school, required immunizations are typically on the to-do list, but getting potentially lifesaving vaccines should not end when adulthood begins, says one University of Alabama at Birmingham infectious diseases expert.

While some vaccines received as a child protect for life, some immunities can decrease over time, newer vaccines come to market and aging can cause susceptibility to serious disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“There’s no system in place like the one children have to keep adults on schedule with vaccines, so they’re done on a more voluntary basis,” said Paul Goepfert, M.D., professor in the UAB School of Medicine. "As such, the immunization rates of adults are always low."

The most notable vaccine for the adult population, Goepfert says, is influenza; an annual influenza vaccine is recommended in those 19 years and older.

The most notable vaccine for the adult population is influenza; an annual influenza vaccine is recommended in those 19 years and older.

“While flu vaccine efficacy is only 50 to 60 percent, if you get infected after you’ve been vaccinated, the severity of the illness is often more mild,” Goepfert said. “Despite this information, influenza vaccine rates are generally low every year. A notable exception occurs in years when the media highlight influenza death rates, especially among the younger adult population.”

The Tdap vaccine is given once to adults, then a Td booster vaccine is recommended every 10 years, to help protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

“Tetanus is rarer now; but pertussis, better known as whooping cough, causes a nasty cough in adults that lasts four weeks or longer,” Goepfert said. “Antibiotics don’t help it; you just have to survive it when you get it. This is one of the more important adult immunizations that people often forget about.”

The Varicella, HPV, MMR, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are needed for adults who did not get them when they were children.

The Zoster vaccine protects against shingles, and it is for people 60 years of age or older.

“This is for those who’ve had the chicken pox, and this vaccine prevents it from coming back again in the form of shingles,” Goepfert said. “Though it’s not deadly, it causes a lot of pain even after the lesions have resolved. The Zoster vaccine prevents shingles from happening, so now as awareness of this grows a lot of older individuals are asking for this vaccine by name.”

Goepfert says a patient’s medical doctor can help with guidance on needed vaccines.

“Many of these vaccines, though not 100 percent effective, have been shown to decrease death rates,” Goepfert said. “So if you want to decrease the chance of dying from a vaccine-preventable illness, get vaccinated.”

Goepfert adds that getting vaccinated should also be considered a part of civic duty.

“It’s something to do for your community because not everyone can take vaccines; some have medical reasons or don’t respond,” Goepfert said. “If you get vaccinated, then you get a circle of protection around a person who cannot get vaccinated. So it not only helps protect you, but it also helps others in your community not get the disease.”

Make a healthful diet part of your vacation plans with a little preparation, says a UAB dietitian.

Hitting the road for summer vacation is exciting until the hunger pangs start and there’s no healthful food to be found. One University of Alabama at Birmingham expert suggests you pave the way for a nutritious time away with preparation.

Although a week of poor eating may not hurt overall health, “a healthy person who totally abandons their usual eating habits may feel bloated and sluggish and enjoy the vacation less,” said Laura Newton, M.A.Ed., R.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences.

Her advice? Be prepared.

“Plan ahead. Choose foods to take in the car, eat before arriving at the airport, and consider the options available upon arrival at the destination,” Newton said.

When traveling by car, Newton suggests packing a cooler with ice and the following healthful treats:

Sandwiches on whole grain bread

Fruit, such as apples and pears

Cut-up vegetables

Yogurt

Water

“Stop the car to eat so you pay more attention to the food and feel more satisfied,” Newton said.

Roadside fare

If it’s not possible to bring food, Newton says there are healthful choices to be made in convenience stores and fast-food joints.

“You should definitely indulge, but in moderation, maybe one small treat a day or one splurge day during the week. Ask for a small portion of the regional favorite or order from the appetizer menu and start the meal with a salad or vegetables; this will help fill you so you don’t eat more of a higher-calorie item. Ask for extra vegetables or substitute another vegetable in place of a starch.”

“Most stores have fruit of some type — fresh or individual fruit cups; many also have yogurt, and nuts are good in moderation,” Newton said. “At the drive-thru, often the most simply prepared items are the healthiest choices — plain hamburger with lettuce and tomatoes or grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes.”

Hold the dressings such as mayo or special sauce, and choose the junior or kid-size portions, Newton says.

If there’s a refrigerator in the hotel or vacation house, Newton suggests you take advantage of it. Check before leaving town to see if a grocery store is located nearby.

“It can be easier to eat healthful meals when cooking yourself. So head to the store and buy some foods when you get there,” Newton said. “If you’re staying in a hotel that doesn’t have a refrigerator in the room, ask if one’s available.”

Moderation rules

First, try not to miss meals. It often causes overeating at the next one, Newton says.

“Pack a cooler for the beach and take water, fruit, maybe some nuts and string cheese,” Newton said. “This type of mini-meal is easily portable and can help tide people over until they can have a regular meal.”

“You should definitely indulge, but in moderation, maybe one small treat a day or one splurge day during the week,” Newton said. “Ask for a small portion of the regional favorite or order from the appetizer menu and start the meal with a salad or vegetables; this will help fill you so you don’t eat more of a higher-calorie item. Ask for extra vegetables or substitute another vegetable in place of a starch.”

Look online for restaurants in the area and review the menu in advance when possible so you can decide what to eat before you go. And always drink lots of water because people often mistake dehydration for hunger, Newton said.

Finally, stay active.

“This doesn’t need to be strenuous exercise, such as running or lifting weights; but do go sightseeing on foot or take a hike, swim in the pool or at the beach, things like that,” Newton said.

UAB experts give advice on how youngsters can properly use technology when writing the old-fashioned way.

English teacher Carrie Beth Buchanan sees the effects of students’ growing up in an age when communication is done in an abbreviated text language and where they depend on autocorrect to automatically solve the “i before e” literary dilemma.

“In my classroom, I can already see the negative effects,” said the English Department chair at Clay-Chalkville High School and a participant in the UAB For Teachers By Teachers grant program. “Many high school students have become dependent on electronic spell-checkers. As a result, I spend a significant amount of time circling misspelled words on assignments.”

This begs the question: Could text language and autocorrect technologies have an effect on writing skills? UAB experts offer thoughts and tips.

Embrace the change: “New technologies will, as they always have, influence how we gain and use knowledge,” said Cynthia Ryan, Ph.D., associate professor of English. “This kind of shift can be frightening to those of us who learned to use language through a different approach, or who value some aspects of English that are currently being dismissed as less important. The fact is that what constitutes literacy changes over time.”

“For any of us to be effective communicators, we have to be able to adhere to conventions that others share,” Ryan said.

It is not bad, just different — but be careful: Texting is just another genre of writing, says Tonya Perry, Ph.D., assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the UAB School of Education. It is up to the parents and teachers to remind youngsters when and when not to use it.

“When students text, they’re writing in a particular genre and for an informal audience. Texting as a genre has space considerations and expectations, which warrant using abbreviations for phrases such as LOL, symbols like 2 for two, and just as few characters as possible. On the other hand, when students submit a final paper, they have written, revised and edited in another genre and for a more formal audience. In this case, of course, we’d expect the words to be complete and correctly spelled.”

“Basically, how students write should fit the audience and occasion for which they are writing,” Perry said. “When students text, they’re writing in a particular genre and for an informal audience. Texting as a genre has space considerations and expectations, which warrant using abbreviations for phrases such as LOL, symbols like 2 for two, and just as few characters as possible. On the other hand, when students submit a final paper, they have written, revised and edited in another genre and for a more formal audience. In this case, of course, we’d expect the words to be complete and correctly spelled.”

Pick up a pen and paper: Buchanan gets research papers from her students that are riddled with misspellings or written in an abbreviated language. She says that parents need to emphasize the importance of correct spelling by having students complete paper and pen classwork and homework assignments that prevent students from using autocorrect.

Depending solely on that technology can be tempting; but for the sake of becoming better writers and spellers, she says, students should be required to revise any errors so they can learn from mistakes.

Talk it out and find the fun: “I think parents should always aim to keep the conversation about language going with their children, making sure they understand the meanings of words in context and the importance of using precise language to express themselves,” Ryan said.

“Kids might begin to see language as 100 percent formulaic, and that takes a lot of the fun and purpose out of the writing process,” she said. “As long as kids are writing in context, meaning that they are aiming to communicate with a specific audience for a particular purpose, they are learning; and learning is always a good thing.”

Technology will not replace good, old-fashioned writing: “I tell students never to depend wholly on an available program or other technology to be the final word on their selection of words and phrasing,” Ryan said. “Context is key, and neither autocorrect, a thesaurus nor any other kind of resource can be counted on to do the work for the writer.

“What we write matters because it’s based on our individual thoughts and ways of shaping these thoughts through language. A computer program or other external device can’t do the real work of writing for us.”

“The oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms, which can be transferred to a toothbrush during use,” Geisinger said. “Furthermore, most toothbrushes are stored in bathrooms, which exposes them to gastrointestinal microorganisms that may be transferred via a fecal-oral route. The number of microorganisms can vary wildly from undetectable to 1 million colony-forming units (CFUs). Proper handling and care of your toothbrush is important to your overall health.”

What constitutes proper care and handling? Geisinger answers several questions that may help better protect families from toothbrush germs.

Q. Can bacteria from your toilet really reach your toothbrush?

A. “The short answer is ‘yes.’ Enteric bacteria, which mostly occur in the intestines, can transfer to toothbrushes and thus into your mouth. This may occur through inadequate hand-washing or due to microscopic droplets released from the toilet during flushing. The topic of dirty toothbrushes was a recent subject of the popular Discovery Channel show “Mythbusters,” when 24 toothbrushes were tested, and all of them demonstrated enteric microorganisms — even those that had not been inside of a bathroom. In fact, toothbrushes may be contaminated with bacteria right out of the box, as they are not required to be packaged in a sterile manner.”

Q. What is the proper way to clean your toothbrush to help remove germs?

A. “You should thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with potable tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Additionally, soaking toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouth rinse has been shown to decrease the level of bacteria that grow on toothbrushes.”

Q. How should you to store your toothbrush to avoid germ and bacteria buildup?

A. “The American Dental Association recommends that you not store your toothbrush in a closed container or routinely cover your toothbrush, as a damp environment is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms. Also, storing toothbrushes in an upright position and allowing them to air dry until the next use is recommended, if possible. If more than one brush is stored in an area, keeping the toothbrushes separate can aid in preventing cross-contamination.”

Q. What is the proper toothbrush protocol when you are sick?

A. “Any illness that can be transmitted through body fluids should warrant separation of the toothbrush of the infected individual and, if economically feasible, replacement of the toothbrush after the illness.”

Q. How often should your toothbrush be replaced?

A. “Toothbrushes should be replaced at least every three to four months or when bristles become frayed and worn, whichever comes first.”

There are four other steps Geisinger recommends be followed to help achieve a higher quality of oral health and avoid or limit some of the causes of bacteria toothbrush buildup.

Use antimicrobial mouth rinse prior to brushing. This can decrease the bacterial load in your mouth considerably and may reduce the number of microorganisms that end up on the toothbrush after brushing.

Engage in routine dental care. Routine dental care, including regular dental cleanings, can reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth, and the types of bacteria present, and can therefore reduce bacteria on your toothbrush. It is especially important for those with gum disease, as the oral bacteria present in their mouths can enter the bloodstream as they perform everyday activities, including eating, chewing gum and toothbrushing.

Wash your hands. Hand-washing after using the restroom and prior to using your toothbrush can reduce the likelihood of fecal-oral contamination.

Do not share toothbrushes. This seems like a no-brainer, but a large proportion of spouses admit to sharing toothbrushes. That means bacteria on those toothbrushes are being shared, including the ones that cause dental decay and periodontal disease — the two major dental diseases in adults.

Warmer weather has folks venturing outdoors, and while the risk of running into a snake, bear or other menacing animal exists, the critters far more likely to be encountered in the great outdoors are ticks, mosquitos and other insects.

A lot of bugs pack a powerful bite or sting.

Janyce Sanford, M.D., chair of the University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Emergency Medicine, recommends an insect repellant with DEET, along with long pants and long-sleeved shirts, as the best way to ward off most pesky insects. DEET with a concentration of 10 to 30 percent is approved for use on children ages 2 months and older. Ten percent DEET will last about two hours, and 24 percent DEET lasts around five hours.

Ticks in Alabama are known to carry the bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever; but the likelihood of getting Lyme disease from a local tick bite is low in this region, according to Sanford. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is characterized by a flulike illness, followed by a red, raised rash on the wrists or ankles. The best way to remove a tick, says Sanford, is to use tweezers and pull straight up in an easy motion.

“One of the biggest outdoor risks is bee or wasp stings, especially for those with severe allergic reactions,” Sanford said. “A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be fatal.”

“One of the biggest outdoor risks is bee or wasp stings, especially for those with severe allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be fatal.”

She recommends carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an EpiPen, when camping or hiking, especially if anyone in the group has ever reacted badly to previous stings. EpiPens require a prescription from a physician and can be purchased at a drugstore.

Sanford says a good first-aid kit is a must for anyone planning on spending time outdoors. Ready-made kits are available at outdoor stores, or they can be assembled from materials on hand. Include assorted bandages and basic medicines such as Tylenol, Benadryl and aspirin. Albuterol will help those with group members who have asthma or COPD. Include a 1 percent hydrocortisone anti-itch cream, foldable splints, alcohol wipes and cleaning agents.

Sanford advises planning before heading to the woods or mountains. Research the destination, and know what to expect. Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your group. Who has allergies? Who knows CPR? Are there any special needs to be considered?

Proper clothing, rain gear, plenty of water and emergency food supplies will help keep an unexpected event from turning your outdoor vacation into a hospital visit.

“Common sense and a little thought before you venture out will help make your outdoor adventure one to remember fondly,” said Sanford.

It may feel literally and figuratively that it is crunch time when it comes to getting summer-ready, but these UAB experts break down easy ways to make health a lifelong achievement beyond this season alone.

With warm summer months fast approaching, many will resume January weight loss resolutions. Instead of resorting to crash diets or overtraining at the gym, University of Alabama at Birmingham health experts suggest taking steps to both lose weight and make good health a lifelong goal.

“The most important element in any wellness plan is self-awareness; this is a mental process, not an action process,” said Terrie Adams, fitness director at the UAB Hospital Health Club. “It’s about aligning your thoughts with the desire first, rather than taking action in order to achieve results or forcing something to happen.”

“Cutting out negative self-talk makes a huge difference,” Adams said. “It’s not that we start feeding and exercising the body differently to get it to a place where we can like it, it’s the other way around; we have to like our bodies enough to want to make health a priority.”

While Adams says there are no quick or easy ways to become fit, she suggests that sedentary beginners start building their aerobic base, endurance and stamina, known as cardio conditioning. After two solid weeks of cardio training — whether it is walking, swimming, biking or another heart-pumping activity — begin to gradually introduce strength training.

“The best way to burn fat is to build muscle and get strong. The fat-burning part will take care of itself once you start building muscle. The best way to build muscle is to strength train, and your body weight is one of the best weights available — no gym or equipment required.”

“The best way to burn fat is to build muscle and get strong,” Adams said. “The fat-burning part will take care of itself once you start building muscle. The best way to build muscle is to strength train, and your body weight is one of the best weights available — no gym or equipment required.”

Adams says the first noticeable improvements will show up very quickly: Mood, energy level and seeing a physical difference can come in as little as a week.

For more experienced exercisers, Adams likes high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, which describes any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest.

“HIIT has been proved to burn more calories and recruit more muscles over steady-state workouts,” Adams said. “You burn more calories not only during a HIIT workout, but long after. Focus on higher-intensity training for shorter amounts of time rather than long, drawn-out workouts.”

It is the combination of the physical activity and nutrition that will aid in losing weight and keeping it off. Krista Casazza, Ph.D., R.D., assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences, says that drastic measures aimed at “quick fixes” to shed pounds are not the healthy way to do this.

“Starvation methods cannot be sustained; though cleanses and detoxes are “in,” they really aren’t associated with a great deal of weight loss, and liquid diets such as juicing can result in losing only a few pounds,” Casazza said. “That said, a very low-calorie diet of any sort can lead to substantial weight loss.”

Casazza says it depends on the amount of weight an individual is trying to lose.

“Rapid weight loss is not necessarily unsafe; however, it has to be coupled with adequate vitamin and mineral intake and, most importantly, maintenance of musculoskeletal mass,” Casazza said. “While exercise in itself may not lead to weight loss, the beneficial effects on whole-body metabolism when coupled with dietary restriction cannot be overlooked.”

Focusing on maintaining a balanced diet and eating in moderation are important components of good nutrition in general, for weight loss or weight maintenance, says Lynae Hanks, Ph.D., R.D., a UAB postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Medicine.

“If your goal is to lose weight, take a look at your typical eating behaviors: Do you drink sugary drinks or indulge in sugary or fatting toppings and condiments? Try cutting back in these areas if you do, and that will be a great start to renovating your diet,” Hanks said. “Add-ins like sugar-sweetened drinks and heavy dressings can sabotage your efforts in losing or maintaining weight.”

Hanks says guilty pleasures do not have to be eliminated altogether as this can lead to feelings of deprivation and then getting off course by overindulging.

“Instead of seeing these items as diet ‘villains,’ eat them in moderation and reward yourself with moderate and planned doses,” Hanks said. “Practice moderation, and balance your meals so you include a healthy variety of nutrition components.”

Hanks suggests being generous with portions of nonstarchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and spinach.

Casazza and Hanks agree that there is no one-size prescription for everybody, but a healthier summer body requires four things:

sufficient hydration

nutritious meals

regular exercise

adequate sleep daily

“Motivating factors such as ‘bikini season’ are good inspiration for behavior change; however, one should approach adopting a healthier lifestyle in the long term — not simply make changes which are aimed to be short-lived,” Casazza said. “The importance of health should be the focus, not the season.”

“That is a usual pattern,” said Janyce Sanford, M.D., chair of the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine. “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, snakes begin to get active, and we begin seeing a bite or two. Still, we only see a few each spring, and people have a much greater chance of being stung by a bee or wasp or being bitten by a tick than being bitten by a snake.”

The best way to avoid snakebite is to watch carefully for the presence of snakes while in the woods or near rivers or creeks, and wear long pants and boots. Sanford says a cellphone can also be helpful.

“Get to an emergency department as quickly as you safely can, and that can often be accomplished by calling 911,” said Sanford. “Snap a picture of the snake with the cellphone if possible, but leave the snake behind. The last thing we need in a crowded emergency room is a snake, dead or alive.”

Sanford says emergency physicians do not need to see the snake. Since a significant number of bites are either dry — with no venom injected — or are from a nonvenomous snake, simply observing the wound for a few hours will show if there is venom present. Appropriate antivenin can then be given. Snakebites are not usually fatal; those at increased risk are the very young, the very old and those with underlying medical conditions.

The Affordable Care Act, signed into law March 2010, mandates that Americans have at least minimum health insurance coverage. The Marketplace was created to help uninsured people find coverage, and around 5 million people have enrolled.

“The number currently enrolled is down from original estimates that the Congressional Budget Office had of 8 million, and they recently lowered their expectations to 6 million,” said Michael Morrisey, Ph.D., director of the UAB Lister Hill Center for Health Policy. “Things are going much better than they were in the early days of the open enrollment period, but it’s clear they are not going to meet original projections.”

Morrisey believes a combination of factors led to the lower numbers.

“I think there was the whole fiasco of how the website was rolled out and how it didn’t work,” Morrisey said. “The changing regulations over the last few months haven’t helped, and I think there’s genuinely a lot of confusion. Insurance is a complicated thing, and so it’s not unusual that people would have questions.”

Some of the estimates, Morrisey says, suggest as many as 60 percent of people say they are confused about whether they need coverage, how to get it and what the Marketplace is.

Talk to a navigator — these are people or organizations in your community that are trained to help with applying; here's how to locate them

Ask a relative, a friend, or people at your church or your place of employment who already have coverage to walk you through the process

“If you don’t have coverage and don’t fall into an exemption from needing it, it’s time to go to the website and see what is available and what it will cost. Some will be eligible for a subsidy, and the premiums for them will be relatively modest.”

Morrisey says every U.S. citizen and those legal residents who have been here more than five years are mandated by law to be covered, or a penalty can be incurred.

“The penalties are basically 1 percent of your income, with a minimum penalty of $95,” Morrisey said. “But what people should appreciate is that 1 percent can be much higher than that minimum; if your income is $40,000 a year, the penalty will be $400.”

There are some exemptions to the minimum coverage rule.

“There are many people who are not subject to the mandate or who will not be subject to the penalty even though they are required to have coverage,” Morrisey said.

Those most notably not required to get coverage include:

Those who do not file federal income tax returns

Those who would have been eligible for the expanded Medicaid program, but their state did not expand the program

Those who had their coverage cancelled — there are often things one has to do to document, so keep the cancellation notice

“If you don’t have coverage and don’t fall into an exemption from needing it, it’s time to go to the website and see what is available and what it will cost,” Morrisey said. “Some will be eligible for a subsidy, and the premiums for them will be relatively modest.”

The risk of flooding is rising nationwide as snow melt from heavy winter weather mixes with anticipated spring rains. Minor flooding is already reported in some areas of the country, including the Florida panhandle, Indiana and Illinois, and the National Weather Service predicts minor flooding across large areas of the Midwest and South, with heavier flooding likely in the upper Midwest and along the lower Mississippi River valley.

Nafziger says keeping informed is the key to staying safe during flooding events. Know your risk, pay attention to media reports, and have a plan.

“If flooding is expected in your area, plan an escape route that leads to higher ground, and prepare an emergency kit with first aid supplies and medicine, batteries, water, flashlights, and nonperishable food,” she said. “Charge your electronic devices, and be ready to flee.”

Nafziger says the National Weather Service website is a good source for additional recommendations before, during and after flooding; these include avoiding flood waters, heeding road closings and cautionary signs, and waiting for an official “all clear” before returning to a flooded area.

“The aftermath of flood can be just as dangerous as the actual flooding, with disease, electrical hazards and even displaced animals as threats,” Nafziger said.

Increased water consumption often is advised to those who are trying to lose weight. But a nutrition expert at UAB says, while it is important, it’s not the magic bullet to weight loss.

Drinking a lot of water is often advised to those who are trying to lose weight, but a nutrition expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham says it is not the magic bullet to weight loss.

“There is very little evidence that drinking water promotes weight loss; it is one of those self-perpetuating myths,” said Beth Kitchin, Ph.D., R.D., assistant professor of nutrition sciences. “I’m not saying drinking water isn’t good; but only one study showed people who drank more water burned a few extra calories, and it was only a couple of extra calories a day.”

Kitchin says another water myth is the consumption rule: eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

“Yes, people do need to get fluids; but it does not have to be water,” Kitchin said. “There’s no evidence that it melts away fat or makes you feel fuller, so if you don’t like water it’s OK.”

While Kitchin says water is the best hydrator, fluid replacement does not have to be in the form of water. For those who do not like to drink water, Kitchin suggests:

Drinking a diet soda or green tea

Mixing mineral water with juice

Adding a low-calorie powdered beverage mix to water

Also, Kitchin says coffee and other caffeinated beverages do hydrate.

“People think coffee doesn’t count, but actually it does,” Kitchin said. “When you drink coffee, your body is retaining much of that fluid — especially for people who are habituated to drinking caffeine, as the body adapts, resulting in a reduced loss of fluids.”

A final water myth Kitchin wants to put to rest is that the temperature of drinking water affects weight loss chances.

“You will hear that ice-cold water helps burn extra calories,” Kitchin said. “While there may be a few extra calories lost, it won’t be nearly enough to make a dent in your weight-loss endeavors.”

If losing weight is the goal, Kitchin suggests trying long-running weight management programs based on real research — like EatRight by UAB or Volumetrics.

“These plans were built on the premise that if you eat lower-calorie, “heavier” foods, you’re not going to magically lose 25 more pounds than somebody on different diet, but it might help you feel fuller and not hungry,” Kitchin said. “While drinking water may not help you lose weight, a focus on eating foods with high water content like fruits, veggies and broth-based soups can.”

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseWed, 12 Mar 2014 09:00:00 -0500Awareness and research are paramount when it comes to glaucomahttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/4274-awareness-and-research-are-paramount-when-it-comes-to-glaucoma
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/4274-awareness-and-research-are-paramount-when-it-comes-to-glaucoma

Research exploring several new diagnostic strategies to find the earliest changes in the eye to detect glaucoma is underway at the UAB School of Optometry. One optometrist says awareness of this eye disorder is just as important as continuing to study it.

Research exploring several new diagnostic strategies to find the earliest changes in the eye to detect glaucoma is underway at the University of Alabama at BirminghamSchool of Optometry. One optometrist says awareness of this eye disorder is just as important as continuing to study it.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the American Optometric Association, with primary open-angle being the most common form of it. Glaucoma is most likely to affect people over age 40 and those with a family history of the condition.

“Anyone with a family history of glaucoma should be checked as early as possible in adulthood and monitored regularly,” said Leo Semes, O.D., professor of optometry. “Subsets of glaucoma are found in those who have trauma in one eye, in those who are from areas closer to the Arctic Circle, and in certain other situations including infantile and congenital occurrences.”

When it comes to determining how often to check the eyes for signs of glaucoma, Semes says it depends on the degree of suspicion.

“But the greatest risk factor and the only currently modifiable one is elevated intraocular pressure, or pressure in the eye,” Semes said. “This may be more critical with increasing age, which is also a risk and may be related to perfusion to the optic nerve. This is a topic of research and controversy at the moment.”

Semes says because glaucoma generally comes with no early warning signs, those unknowingly affected by it run the risk of vision loss.

“As I like to say, ‘glaucoma is like ignorance; it’s not painful,’” Semes said. “So damage can be done before it becomes significantly visually debilitating.”

The exact cause of glaucoma remains unknown, and Semes says there is little in the way of complementary and alternative medicine strategies to help prevent it.

But, Semes noted the following behaviors may be beneficial:

Regular exercise

Quitting smoking

Treating high cholesterol and sleep apnea

Also at UAB, new medications and delivery routes to maximize compliance and minimize damage from glaucoma are being studied.

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseFri, 28 Feb 2014 14:16:45 -0600An approved treatment for pink eye could be on the horizonhttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/4192-an-approved-treatment-for-pink-eye-could-be-on-the-horizon
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/4192-an-approved-treatment-for-pink-eye-could-be-on-the-horizon

When a prime-time sportscaster went on the air to cover the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics with pink eye, the world took notice. One UAB optometrist says this virus currently lacks an FDA-approved drug, but she has a planned study to solve that.

When a prime-time sportscaster went on the air to cover the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics with pink eye, the world took notice of the obvious symptom of the swollen, red eye. One University of Alabama at Birmingham optometrist says this virus currently lacks an FDA-approved drug, but she has a planned study to solve that.

“The true ‘pink eye’ is caused by an adenovirus, is highly contagious, and can last for up to three weeks; but the virus can live on inanimate objects like door knobs and keyboards for up to 45 days,” said Tammy Than, M.S., O.D., FAAO, associate professor in the School of Optometry. “Without a treatment — right now it’s just time and artificial tears — these viruses can in the meantime spread to family members, colleagues, classmates and others.”

Than notes another issue with pink eye is that it can be hard to diagnose.

“When people come in with red eye, it could be bacterial infection, it could be viral, or it could be allergic, so oftentimes it’s misdiagnosed because the symptoms overlap,” Than said, adding that there is a relatively new point-of-care test that is inexpensive and has very good sensitivity that can help guide treatment with Betadine. “This has really helped us make a more accurate diagnosis of the cause of a patient’s conjunctivitis.”

In addition to the noticeable swollen, red eye, Than says pink eye’s symptoms can also be painful.

“It causes miserable discomfort, tearing, sensitivity to light and possibly decreased vision,” Than said. “Plus, the suffering is worsened because the person himself typically has it in one eye, but often the other eye becomes infected as well because pink eye is so contagious.”

Than is part of a multicenter research project called RAPID, Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days, looking at the treatment of pink eye with Betadine. Than says this common, pre-surgical solution has been used by eye doctors off-label to treat the virus, but there is no solid data yet on its efficacy.

“I have used Betadine as a treatment for years and have seen complete resolution within 24 to 48 hours,” Than said. “But, this treatment should be administered only under the supervision of an eye care provider.”

RAPID researchers will submit their grant proposal to the National Institutes of Health in March.

Kids these days have a penchant for high-tech and wouldrather play with smartphones and tablets than board games and building blocks.And, they start younger and younger. A whopping 83 percent of children age 6 and younger use some form of screen media, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Although screen time has been linked with diminished creativity, childhood obesity, sleep disturbance and the like, it doesn’t all have to be negative, said University of Alabama at Birmingham education experts.

“When used appropriately, technology and media can enhance children’s cognitive and social abilities,” said Jennifer Summerlin, an instructor in the UAB School of Education. “Interactions should be playful and support creativity, exploration and authentic learning.”

Summerlin offers some tips and to help ensure children make the most of their screen time:

Have a plan: When choosing media for your child, be informed and intentional and make appropriate choices. It should be appropriate for their age, individual nature, cultural upbringing and linguistic abilities.

Make sure their brain is put to work: Select apps that are active, hands-on, engaging, empowering and give the child control.

Enable fun: Be sure to provide your child with any accessories needed to make the device easy to use.

Don’t let the app be the sole teacher: Let the device be one of many other options to support learning.

According to Stephen Russell, M.D., digital thermometers are accurate for adults and children but should not be relied upon for newborns and babies.

“We don’t recommend the forehead, ear or under-the-arm thermometer devices for anyone under the age of 6 months,” Russell said. “A traditional rectal thermometer is what will get the accurate temperature of newborns and babies. At that age, their ear canals are a little small for the ear thermometers, and it’s not best to rely on forehead or underarm thermometers because they just don’t give an accurate reading on children that age.”

Russell says ear, forehead and underarm thermometers are good to use for preschool and elementary-age children. However, he recommends families keep a standard mercury or digital thermometer to use in the mouth in cases when the other thermometers give extreme readings.

“The ear, forehead and under-the-arm thermometers are especially good in the midrange,” Russell said. “So, when the temperature reads normal, that’s very reassuring. When they read 101 or 102, that’s a good indication that there is a fever. But when you start to get to extremes — like 104 or higher or 96 or lower — it’s probably a good idea to use a standard mercury thermometer or in-the-mouth digital thermometer to recheck it.”

Russell shares similar advice for home blood-pressure devices. The traditional arm cuff is still the preferred method for attaining an accurate reading, but the electronic finger and wrist cuffs are good to have in the home.

“If the finger and wrist cuffs are reading normal, they probably are normal,” Russell said. “But anything that’s abnormal — or if you’re concerned the reading is too low or too high — confirm the reading at your local pharmacy. You can also purchase a traditional arm cuff to use at home.”

For those who have a regular arm cuff for home use, Russell recommends bringing it to the doctor’s office annually to compare readings.

Running around town trying to get holiday tasks crossed off the list may mean jaywalking to save time. But one UAB expert says this should be avoided at all times.

The hectic holidays may have many looking to save a few extra minutes wherever they can be found, but a University of Alabama at Birmingham expert says one seemingly small action — jaywalking — should be avoided at all times.

In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Transit Safety Association. Seventy-nine percent of these pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections versus at intersections. Jaywalking is the illegal crossing of a roadway at a point other than an intersection or marked crosswalk, as well as walking against a pedestrian walk signal.

David Schwebel, Ph.D., associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of Psychology, studies pedestrian behavior. Schwebel explains that walking is just like driving — laws need to be followed for safety reasons.

“Drivers wouldn’t run a red light or dart their vehicles into an intersection when traffic is coming the other way, so why do some pedestrians feel that is OK?” Schwebel asked. “When you jaywalk, you are openly and blatantly breaking the law, which you don’t usually do when driving near intersections, but many pedestrians feel it’s justified.”

Schwebel says his research has shown that crossing the street is not as simple as it sounds.

“To cross the street, you are processing a lot of information about traffic all at once: distance, speed, what drivers will do, how they will behave,” Schwebel said. “There are numerous factors you must take into account in order to judge safety, and that’s a lot for the brain to handle. Plus, many are talking on the phone or text-messaging, which can complicate the situation further.”

Schwebel says the situation is different when a pedestrian is at the intersection and crosses when the signal says go, because there are fewer variables.

“We are all accustomed to the rules at crosswalks — crossing midblock where there is not a crosswalk is not expected, so it’s harder to judge safety because you don’t know whether drivers will slow down and stop as they normally would at a marked crosswalk,” Schwebel said.

In response to those who say jaywalking saves time, Schwebel says it is still not worth the potential danger.

“The time you may save while jaywalking is not worth the risk,” he said. “Plus, it’s good for you to walk farther — both for safety and for health.”

Unless it is a medical emergency, Schwebel says, it is hard to see a justification for jaywalking.

“Even if there is no traffic on the road, you shouldn’t cross,” he said. “Would you drive drunk when the road is empty?”

Politics and religion are considered unsafe topics of conversation at parties. This holiday season, experts at UAB say avoiding one other topic – weight – can help everyone be more merry and bright.

Politics and religion are considered unsafe topics of conversation at holiday dinners and parties, and experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say avoiding another topic — weight — can help everyone be more merry and bright.

“People might gain weight during the five-to-six weeks of the holiday season, but the reality is most will not put on a substantial amount in that time period,” said Josh Klapow, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB School of Public Health.

A clinical psychologist, Klapow says discussing weight should be avoided during the holidays, even if opinions are rooted in concerns for a loved one’s health. Bringing it up will likely only cause hurt feelings.

“Most people know when the scale has gone up,” Klapow said. “Instead of pointing out what they may very well know, be a role model. You can take action by starting to eat healthy and exercise. Make it about you and let them model your behavior.”

“This may not be a time for weight loss but just weight maintenance, as it is important to enjoy your favorite foods — just not overdo it,” Kitchen said. “My big tips for supporting someone would be to plan non-food activities; combine the holiday with activity by walking through the neighborhood with a friend to look at the holiday decorations, or take the kids ice skating or go Christmas caroling.”

Since food is unavoidable this time of year, plan ahead to help loved ones without saying it.

“Go shopping for healthy foods and serve these at your home when family and friends are over to eat,” Kitchin said.

Other healthy holiday tips include:

Choose the best and leave the rest: Stick with the truly special treats that are most wanted this time of year while skipping out on filler snacks and foods.

Have a low-calorie drink available: People will be less likely to graze at the food table if they have consumed the right amount of water.

Master portion control: Serve portioned meals instead of eating family-style, and pretty much anything can be eaten. This will also help in staying away from seconds, especially on the highest calorie foods like sweets and desserts.

Kitchin also stresses rest as a strategy.

“Nobody should skimp on sleep,” Kitchin said. “Studies show that you might overeat more when you don’t get enough sleep, and you are also more likely to get sick.”

It is often noted that very young people and the elderly are most at-risk for experiencing flu-related complications, and one expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham says people with weakened immune systems due to diseases like cancer are also at an increased risk of severe complications from the virus.

“The flu shot is recommended annually for cancer patients, as it is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications,” said Mollie deShazo, M.D., associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and medical director of UAB Inpatient Oncology. “The flu vaccine significantly lowers the risk of acquiring the flu; it is not 100 percent effective, but it is the best tool we have.”

Flu activity in the United States is low, even after increasing slightly in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, more activity is expected, and people who have not had a flu vaccine this year are advised to do so.

“It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot, but you can benefit even if you get the vaccine after the flu has arrived in your community,” deShazo said.

The flu shot — not the mist — is safe and is recommended for people with cancer.

“Patients with cancer or who are undergoing chemotherapy should not get the flu mist because it contains live flu virus and could lead to complications in immunocompromised patients,” deShazo said, adding:

Cancer patients should avoid contact with anyone suspected of having the flu

It is prudent to wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and water and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible

It is recommended that all caregivers and family members of cancer patients also get the flu vaccine to protect their loved ones

Once one is cancer-free, his or her risk lessens.

“The longer patients are cancer-free, the lower their influenza complication risk, until it is no more than the risk of those who’ve never had the disease,” deShazo said.

An assistant professor of Computer and Information Sciences, he says most people ignore the single best way to protect personal smartphones.

“Your smartphone is more vulnerable than any other electronic device,” Hasan said. “The simplest, most effective thing you can do is to set up a passcode, but people don’t usually want to bother with it.”

Hasan encourages users who do not lock their smartphones, which can be done easily in the phone’s settings, to consider the consequences of allowing access to bank accounts, sensitive work emails and personal pictures to fall into the hands of an unscrupulous stranger.

“If they have access just to your email, they can take control of your digital life completely,” Hasan said.

Other tips Hasan practices to keep his information safe include:

Never pay bills or do banking on phones using public Wi-Fi, because it makes you a prime target for cybercrime. Secured Wi-Fi at home is safer. “There is malware (malicious software) that can come from seemingly benign apps or fun games,” Hasan said. “They record the information you type in and send it to a criminal without your even knowing.”

Use landlines, never cellphones, for conversations about sensitive or private work-related matters.

Be on alert for “vishing,” or voice phishing. Criminals call masquerading as bank or credit card employees, saying they need a bank account or Social Security number. “People are used to getting phishing emails, and spam filters catch a lot of those; but with phones, there are no spam filters,” Hasan said. “Never share those details over your cellphone. Call the company’s customer service department on a main number. Calls can come from anywhere in the world, but look as though they are from the United States.”

Log out of email, Facebook and Twitter accounts, or set smartphone controls to time out. “If someone accesses your Facebook account, he or she can pretend to be you, set up fake accounts, and send things to all your friends,” Hasan said. “Criminals can do a lot of real harm.”

Watch for signs of unusual activity, especially on Androids, which are more susceptible to malware in the way PCs are. “If your phone is draining very quickly, for example, an app may be running in the background and spying on your phone,” Hasan said. “You may need to reset the phone or get help from your phone company.”

At businesses that accept mobile payments, never allow a clerk to take the smartphone out of sight.

Never put scanned digital copies of important documents, such as a driver’s license or passport, on a phone.

Install a remote phone-tracking and -wiping tool to track a lost phone and, if necessary, to delete private information remotely.

Do not allow a phone to automatically connect to insecure public Wi-Fi hotspots like those in coffee shops or airports.

Beware of browsing mobile sites. Criminals are setting up fake websites to resemble real ones of trusted entities. Since mobile views of websites often look different from regular company websites, many people do not suspect a problem. “They are so small on the screen that it’s hard to figure out,” Hasan said.

“Be sure to talk about these things with people in your life to help keep them safe,” Hasan said. “Even smart people fall victim to these scams. The criminals are getting smarter."

]]>News You Can UseWed, 20 Nov 2013 16:32:01 -0600Coping with grief at the holidayshttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3918-coping-with-grief-at-the-holidays
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3918-coping-with-grief-at-the-holidays

A UAB expert offers advice for when the holidays can be a season of sadness.

In an America shaped by Currier and Ives lithographs and Norman Rockwell paintings, the holiday season is supposed to be one of warmth, love and good cheer. For too many Americans, however, it can be a time of sadness and grief, says University of Alabama at Birmingham psychologist Josh Klapow, Ph.D.

“Personal issues don’t magically go away because the calendar turns to November or December,” said Klapow, an associate professor in the UAB School of Public Health. “Problems with relationships, jobs, finances or health can take on enhanced importance during the supposedly ‘merry’ holiday period.”Klapow also points out that events that shake the nation as a whole, such as the Sandy Hook school shooting, can also contribute to individual stress and anxiety. The first anniversary of that shooting, which left 20 children and six adults dead, falls on Dec. 14.

“The death of a loved one during the holidays can trigger strong feelings, even if the death occurred several years ago,” Klapow said. “In the case of someone who died recently, the holidays can take on a whole new meaning for their family and friends.”

Klapow offers four suggestions that can help ease those feelings.

Remember that this holiday season might not be the same as those of past years. Expecting everything to seem the same might lead to disappointment. There is no right or wrong way — people should celebrate and grieve when they want.

Accept that this might be a difficult time and be prepared for rushes of emotions. This is normal. A lot of people fear that they will “break down” at holiday gatherings. Try to schedule breakdowns — go ahead and have a cry before going out. Allow a moment to grieve. When emotions are temporarily depleted, it makes it easier to take on the day.

Do not overcommit. Take time for yourself without becoming isolated. Embrace support from family and friends, and choose events that sound most appealing at the time. Decline ones that feel like an obligation.

If faith is important, spend time with people who understand and respect a desire to pray and talk about common beliefs.

UAB experts have advice on how to slow aging, and how this can help with appearance and self-esteem.

For many men and women older than 30, the fun of birthdays fades with aging, but experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offer advice on how to slow aging and boost self-esteem.

“Photoaging — or the changes induced by chronic UVA and UVB exposure — is responsible for accelerating the skin’s aging process,” said Marian Northington, M.D., director of UAB Cosmetic Dermatology.“Daily incidental sun exposures — running out to the car, going to the mailbox and exercising —add up and result in wrinkles, sun spots and potentially cancerous lesions,” Northington said. “The No. 1 way people can prevent photoaging is wearing a 30-plus SPF sunscreen — one that contains zinc oxide — every day.”

If it is too late, and the sun has already done its damage, or if someone is just more mature in age, there are ways to diminish the signs of aging.

“Using an over-the-counter cream with retinol, which is a vitamin A derivative, can decrease the risk of skin cancer and improve skin pigmentation and abnormalities, as well as increase collagen content to help with lines and wrinkles,” Northington said.

Northington adds that, if more advanced methods are needed, a visit to the cosmetic dermatologist can offer safe and effective noninvasive options that will reduce photoaging with little downtime.

“Fraxel laser resurfacing is an excellent way to improve wrinkles, pigmentation and abnormalities,” Northington said. “There are also skin-tightening devices that improve skin laxity, as well as injections that will replace lost volume that occurs with aging to lift the face nonsurgically and reduce lines and wrinkles.”

“Outward appearance can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem, so ‘looking better’ both in one’s own eyes and in the eyes of others can add to self-esteem,” Klapow said. “However, self-esteem is an internal experience that needs to be driven by far more than appearance.”

Klapow said unrealistic expectations about looks can spell trouble, as it is hard for people in their 70s to look as though they are in their 20s. If the idea of looking younger is kept in perspective, however, it can lead to a healthier mental state.

“Feeling good about what you look like can help you feel better about who you are,” Klapow said. “But feeling good about who you are, independent of what you look like, is a far more powerful way to have and keep high self-esteem.”

Counting carbs, exchanging candy for other treats and saving it for dessert are all alternatives for parents to consider.

While ghosts, ghouls and goblins are suiting up for the yearly pilgrimage through neighborhoods in search of sweet treats synonymous with Halloween, candy-centric holidays pose challenging questions for parents of children with diabetes.

Count carbs. By counting carbohydrates — which your body breaks down into glucose-creating fluctuations in blood sugar — kids can enjoy some of the treats Halloween has to offer, in moderation. With this option, the child keeps up with how many carbs he or she is eating and takes, for example, one unit of insulin for every 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.

“This is an easy option for kids on an insulin pump because they can just dial in an extra dose of insulin to compensate for what they are about to eat,” Ovalle said. “But for kids who take shots, this could prove to be more difficult or inconvenient if they have to go to the school nurse for an extra dose.”

Exchange candy. Parents can trade the child a gift, money or low-carb snack for candy.

“Parents also can provide a substitute snack for their child if a Halloween party at school is an issue,” Ovalle said.

Save for dessert. Kids can savor their Halloween treats without an extra shot or dose of insulin by saving them for dessert after dinner. Incorporating a sugary treat into mealtime, when a child would normally get a dose of insulin, eliminates the need for adding doses to their regimen.

“The most important thing to remember is that parents and children should choose the option that helps diabetic kids enjoy Halloween candy and other holiday treats while sticking to their treatment,” Ovalle said.

Vaccine tips from UAB experts: Pneumonia and shingles vaccines are especially important starting at age 60, and other important information.

While “Have you had your flu shot?” is a common question this time of year, experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say there are other vaccinations that are important, including a pneumonia shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 62.3 percent of adults 65 years and older have never received a pneumococcal vaccination. UAB Family Nurse Practitioner Program Manager D’Ann Somerall says that statistic needs to be much lower.

“Pneumonia can be devastating to older adults, especially those with co-morbidities,” said Somerall, a UAB School of Nursing educator and a nurse practitioner at the UAB School of Nursing Foundry Clinic in Bessemer, Ala. “Generally what happens when older adults get pneumonia is that it doesn’t clear for months. It can lead to immobility, primarily because they can’t breathe well.”

For a smoker 65 or older who is already compromised with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or has bronchitis or asthma, the risks a pneumonia infection can bring could be shattering.

“When people with those conditions get pneumonia, it’s so debilitating to them that we often are not able to get them well,” Somerall said.

“There are several immunizations that are valuable to people at different stages of their lives,” Russell said. “We recommend a tetanus booster every 10 years, for example. Since 2006, there is a new one with a whooping cough booster called T-Dap. Even though whooping cough is less an issue for adults, it is an issue for the children adults may be around. So when adults get this booster, they are also protecting their children from whooping cough.”

Russell says men and women in their 20s should talk to their doctors about the HPV vaccine. The CDC now recommends HPV vaccination for preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12, as well as teen boys and girls who did not get the vaccine when they were younger. In fact, young women up to age 26 and young men through age 21 who have not been exposed to HPV are encouraged to get a vaccination.

As for older adults, Russell says men and women older than 60 should ask a physician about the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.

The CDC says nearly one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles, and the risk of getting the disease increases as a person gets older. In fact, about half of all cases occur in men and women who are 60 years of age or older.

“The pain and blisterlike sores that form can be excruciating,” Russell said. “The natural immune system wanes after age 65, so we now try to capture people at age 60 for the shingles vaccine.”

Somerall and Russell encourage everyone to schedule a yearly checkup with his or her primary care physician and ask about vaccination needs. They also advise people against waiting a long time before calling to make an appointment with a physician when they get sick — especially during cold and flu season.

“Patients should never hesitate to call a provider if they are sick,” Somerall said. “When you are 60 or older, your immune system just doesn’t enable you to kick the common cold as easily as you did when you were 30. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment and find out what’s wrong. Most conditions are much easier to tackle if treated early.”

UAB experts provide tips to a healthier Halloween for teeth and bodies, including candies to avoid and advice for parents of diabetic children.

For some parents, Halloween is one of their favorite days of the year. It is an opportunity to dress children up and go door to door entertaining neighbors with costumes and collecting pumpkins full of candy. For other parents, the thought of loading children up with sugar-filled treats is a nightmare.

While University of Alabama at Birmingham pediatric dentist John Ruby, DMD, encourages parents to let their little ghouls, goblins and superheroes have their night, he points out that some candies could be worse than others.

“If there is something parents might want to consider avoiding, it would be sour candies,” said Ruby, an associate professor in the UAB School of Dentistry. “They are a double hit. You get tooth decay with the sugar, and the high concentrations of acid used to make them sour also erode teeth.”

Of course, Ruby says, dental decay is a chronic disease that happens over a long period of time and is the result of constant exposure to sugary treats. A pack or two of sour gummies on Halloween alone is not going to cause long-term problems.

“Eating candy and sweets is more of a problem when you do it every day of the year,” Ruby said. “Indulging on special occasions — Halloween, Easter, Christmas and birthdays — is not going to ruin your teeth. If everyone ate candy just three or four days each year on special occasions, we wouldn’t have a problem with cavities.”

Ruby and other UAB experts have several tips for parents to consider this Halloween.

“It is important that parents not let overindulgence in candy become a learned behavior,” said Donna Arnett, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the UAB School of Public Health. “Though Halloween alone is not going to be a major overall contributor to our children’s health, any behaviors they learn can have an effect.”

If trick-or-treating is a must, turn it into an exercise game with fun gadgetry. Walking is an aerobic exercise that benefits the heart. Have kids wear a pedometer, and make a contest out of who takes the most steps. “Considering how much many kids love technology and competition, counting steps could get them some heart-healthy exercise as well as fun,” Arnett said.

Once the candy comes home, parents should hold onto it and ration it to their children.

For optimal dental health beyond Halloween, Ruby recommends healthy snacks and beverages. Fruits like apples, grapes and bananas, vegetables like carrots or celery with peanut butter, and dairy like cheese or plain yogurt with fruit are all excellent snack choices. Beverages should primarily be water or white milk with only one glass of juice per day; eliminate soft drinks.

Of course, Ruby says to remember to help your kids brush and floss their teeth each night before they go to bed.

As flu season ramps up, UAB geriatricians remind seniors — and their caregivers — to be wary and prepared.

Flu season lurks around the corner throughout the United States, and gerontologists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say the elderly are at increased risk for getting the flu and often have a worse time coping with flu symptoms than do younger people.

The flu could be especially severe for the 39.6 million older adults in the United States. Defined as 65 years or older, the group makes up almost 13 percent of the total population. Add to that the number of people who care for an aging person — patient, parent or friend — and the impact on older people is even greater.

There are three things an older person or a caregiver should do, according to Andrew Duxbury, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care at the UAB School of Medicine:

Get a flu shot — it could help reduce the severity of an illness

Wash your hands regularly

Avoid crowds

“All human immune systems weaken with age, so when older people get the flu and get knocked down further, they are more likely to get other infections, such as pneumonia,” said Duxbury, also a member of the UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging. “Just being knocked into bed for as little as three or four days can, in a very frail older person, affect their ability to walk and do for themselves. It can cause a spiral in disabilities and increase chances of falls and injuries.”

If you or an older person you know has flu symptoms, Duxbury suggests paying more attention to things like staying hydrated. Appetite and thirst mechanisms are different for older people; they can tip over into dehydration in less than a day if they do not keep fluids up.

Older people also need to get out of bed at least a minimal amount and sit up, which is better for the lungs and helps avoid pneumonia. Call the doctor if there is a productive cough or fever higher than 101 or if the patient is feeling short of breath.

Duxbury reminds caregivers to get a flu shot too. Caregivers are an important link to the outside world for older people, which means they could also be vectors for the flu virus.

“One way to make yourself sicker and make an illness last longer is to try to push through it,” he said. “Caregivers may feel obligated; but if you are sick, you shouldn’t be caring for a senior. Now is a good time to think about your plan B. Who is going to step in and take your place?”

Duxbury says that, while older people are more susceptible, they have already lived through worse flu seasons.

“The current elder population lived through the 1957 and 1968 pandemics,” he said. “They’ve seen a lot.”

There is an association between the influenza virus and cardiovascular events like heart disease and stroke; those with cardiovascular disease should protect themselves against the flu.

For years there has been a known association between the influenza virus and cardiovascular events like heart disease and stroke, explains University of Alabama at Birmingham cardiologist Steven Lloyd, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, associate professor of medicine and radiology.

Lloyd says anyone with cardiovascular disease should protect themselves from the flu.

Lloyd, who is also president of the Alabama chapter of the American College of Cardiology, recently told Medpage Today that a new study from researchers at the University of Toronto further strengthens the common recommendation that patients with cardiovascular disease get vaccinated against the flu.

“There have been several smaller research projects in the past that led to this belief,” Lloyd said. “But this new meta-analysis is a relatively large trial with a total of more than 6,700 patients, which will be more respected in the medical community.”

The study did show a definite benefit of the flu vaccine in patients with cardiovascular disease, Lloyd says, with 1 in 56 believed to have not experienced some kind of cardiovascular event because they were vaccinated.

“The reason this association exists is not fully known, but it’s possibly due to a number of factors,” Lloyd said, noting that patients who tend to get worse flu viruses tend to be old and frail. They may get pneumonia associated with the flu or have systemic inflammation or other things that may cause plaques in the coronary arteries to rupture. If they get admitted to the hospital for treatment and get large amounts of IV fluids, it could provoke congestive heart failure.

“The flu itself could be inciting a heart attack, or it could be the treatment of the flu actually making cardiovascular issues worse,” Lloyd said. “It remains unclear.”

Lloyd also mentioned that, while there are limitations to the meta-analysis, he thinks it will prompt an interest in designing and following up with a large randomized trial to learn more on the flu and cardiovascular disease.

Whether it’s simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed or a bad week at work, feeling down is a form of depression and should be addressed.

Whether it is simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed or a bad week at work, many situations may trigger an onset of the blues. One University of Alabama at Birmingham mental health expert says feeling down is a form of depression and should be addressed.

“I think depression is a spectrum, and full-on depression is when you experience things like impaired appetite, disrupted sleep, lack of concentration and ruminative thoughts,” said Diane Tucker, Ph.D., professor of psychology. “Feelings of discouragement or the blues are on that continuum, and I think it is important to be attentive to those feelings.”

Tucker said when one is down in the dumps, he or she should look at his or her “life equation”: how time is being spent and what is being done to help nourish self-worth.

“When people feel down, they’re less likely to be doing things that help them feel centered and personally efficacious,” Tucker said. “One of the first steps to feel better is to reach out to your network of good friends or social contacts. They can help provide a validation of the strongest parts of oneself.”

In addition, Tucker said close friends can provide helpful feedback, including seeing our role in a difficult situation. Good friends let us know that we are not alone and remind us of the best parts of ourselves.

Other ways to beat the blues:

Exercise and cook a healthy meal

Do activities that provide internal satisfaction — like arts, reading or gardening

Write down thoughts in a journal regularly

“With the blues, we lose perspective or it becomes distorted — people go over and over the things they’re unhappy with, and they get psychologically stuck,” Tucker said. “The challenge is to move beyond where you’re stuck. Things that can help include writing in a journal, doing activities that give you satisfaction, exercising and being with friends.”

According to Tucker, ignoring the blues can be detrimental, leading to subtle issues like poor job performance or compromised relationships.

“People are different in terms of biology and the way our brains work; some people are prone to depression, and others are prone to high blood pressure,” she said. “If it becomes a chronic problem, most cases can be helped by medication or psychotherapy.”

The dizzying pace of work, tending to kids, juggling schedules and threats of government collapse can stress even the most composed people, and stress itself becomes a problem.

“Stress can have many negative effects on the body, such as fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, insomnia, weight loss or gain, muscle tension, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure,” said Jane Roy, Ph.D., associate professor of human studies in the University of Alabama at BirminghamSchool of Education. “You need to find an activity that helps reduce your stress.”

Get moving: All three experts agree that movement is a great, natural way to de-stress.

“A single bout of aerobic exercise appears to affect a particular neurotransmitter that has an antidepressant-like effect in the brain, and the increase in blood flow to the working muscles causes a decrease in muscle tension,” said Roy, who plays tennis to distress.

“It serves as a distractor from the stressor,” she said. “When playing, I have to focus on things like the ball, strategy, score and skill, and not on whatever is causing me to feel stressed. I also play with friends, so we chat and laugh a lot on changeovers.”

Go outside: According to Evans, enjoying nature is a great way to de-stress. She recommends taking 10 to 15 minutes to walk around the neighborhood.

“Research suggests that a natural environment is a de-stresser,” she said. “Anything outdoors, weather permitting, is a great idea because it gets you out of your regular environment. In the event of bad weather, try yoga or basic stretching exercises.”

Breathe: Roy suggests paying attention to breathing.

“When anxious and stressed, we tend to take short, shallow breaths or hold our breath, so doing a simple breathing exercise such as taking deeper, slower breaths can induce a relaxation response.”

Have fun: Find an activity you enjoy that enhances feelings of well-being and relaxation.

“A poor diet puts the body in a state of physical stress and weakens the immune system,” Wilkinson said. “As a result, a person can be more likely to get infections.”

Think positive: Wilkinson suggested searching for the positives in situations.

“A person with a negative attitude will often report more stress than would someone with a positive attitude,” he said.

Call a friend: Wilkinson also suggested engaging in a trusted network of social support.

“Sometimes having little or no social support will increase the difficulty of dealing with an issue,” he said.

Stretch: “Stress builds up over time and can center in the neck, back and spine,” Evans said. “Stress can cause headaches and lower the immune response. Both exercise and stretching help to relieve stress.”

Unplug: Take 10 minutes of every day to shut everything out, Evans recommended. “Close your eyes and breathe deeply; this can trigger the relaxation response.”

]]>masutton@uab.edu (Marie Sutton)News You Can UseMon, 14 Oct 2013 11:51:51 -0500Telecommuting can be beneficial for a work/life balancehttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3802-telecommuting-can-be-beneficial-for-a-work-life-balance
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3802-telecommuting-can-be-beneficial-for-a-work-life-balance

If telecommuting – or working from home – is an available option, one University of Alabama at Birmingham expert says its perks go beyond working in pajamas.

There are mornings when getting out of bed may seem impossible, and the idea of spending the day at work is unappealing. If working from home is an option, one University of Alabama at Birmingham expert says perks of telecommuting go beyond working in pajamas.

“The success of an employee working from home depends on the person, on the job and on the training the organization provides to do that role remotely,” Boyar said. “An organization has a lot of responsibility when letting workers go virtual, but the employee carries a lot of it too. There are questions they should ask themselves.”

Does it fit my personality and preference for integrating work into my family environment?

Can I structure my time and stay motivated to work throughout the day?

Will I fight the temptation to want to skip workdays altogether?

If these can be answered in the affirmative, Boyar said telecommuting can be an excellent option for an employee looking to better balance the time spent working and the time spent with family.

“While there can be distractions at home like kids, animals, TV and chores, there’s often flexibility to transition among various roles – particularly family – if boundaries can be set with some self-discipline,” Boyar said. “If there is ability to adjust your schedule around kids, you could begin your work at 6 a.m. while they sleep. Break to get them to school, then go back to working. Break again to get them into their afternoon activity when school is out, then transition back into work.”

Boyar said telecommuting benefits include reduced transportation costs and environmental impact and saving commute time. If set-up properly, work can be done independently with fewer interruptions than occur in an office environment.

“I like the social aspect at work, but it can be hard to get things done efficiently in the office with too many interruptions,” Boyar said. “However, being away from the office can limit informal social interactions that help employees form bonds with each other, and such social ties can improve job satisfaction and be a catalyst for advancement opportunities.”

Boyar added the ideal situation for most employees may involve a balanced approach – working in the office and home throughout the week.

“Organizations should not shy away from alternative work arrangement such as telecommuting or flex time, because it gives employees with other responsibilities the opportunity to schedule necessary needs around their work,” Boyar said. “This option can lead to a much happier employee, which is always good for a company.”

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseFri, 27 Sep 2013 14:04:33 -0500Flu not peaking yet, but now is the time to get vaccinatedhttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3778-flu-not-peaking-yet-but-now-is-the-time-to-get-vaccinated
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3778-flu-not-peaking-yet-but-now-is-the-time-to-get-vaccinated

A UAB internal medicine expert says sporadic cases of flu are appearing and with a vaccine already available, it is best to get immunized now.

It is that time of year again to consider the protection offered by a flu shot. One University of Alabama at Birmingham internal medicine expert says with a vaccine already available, it is best to get immunized against influenza now.

“We’ve already heard of sporadic cases, but there is very little flu in the Southeast right now, making it the perfect time to get your flu shot,” said Stephen Russell, M.D., UAB associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine.

“Contrary to some beliefs, getting the flu shot in September is a good thing and will offer protection for the entirety of the flu season,” said Russell, who is also a lead physician at UAB Medicine Moody Clinic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. People 65 years and older, pregnant women, caregivers and people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

“Most people will only need one shot each year, but the flu shot a patient had last year will not protect them for this coming flu season,” Russell said.

Russell said this year’s vaccine is different; for the first time, vaccine manufacturers are offering a quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against four different types of flu virus. In years past, there was only protection against three.

Russell said the shot will not cause sickness, as it contains a killed virus, so that fear should not cause people to skip a flu shot. For those who may avoid a shot because of the needle, Russell encourages the use of an alternative.

“There is also a nasal spray that is effective; it is a live virus vaccine but is changed to not cause infection,” Russell said. “The mist is a great option for those who are nervous about shots, but is not for patients with asthma or respiratory issues, and it is not right for those with diabetes.”

The flu is a serious disease that the CDC says can cause hospitalization or even death. Russell encourages anyone eligible to receive the flu shot or flu mist, do so.

“Many people will say that they do not need the vaccine, as they have never had the flu before, but that is like saying you don't need to wear your seatbelt because you have never had a wreck,” Russell said. “You may have been fine in the past, but that should not offer security or protection for future exposures to the flu.”

Scott-Trammell and Robicheaux offered tips to help workers reinvent themselves:

Turn your passion into a paycheck. “Ask yourself what you enjoy, then think about how you can use that skill or talent to help a company make money,” Robicheaux said. “Find a job where what you like to do can be applied to a business function.”

Be realistic. “Until you can offer employers what they are looking for, you won’t be hired,” he said. “Companies do not seek people who simply want to work for them. They seek people who can add value immediately to their organizations.”

Get training. “Evaluate what skills are needed to see if you have gaps that can be filled by a specific area of training,” said Scott-Trammell.

Do your research. “Seeking jobs from the companies that need what you have to offer is the key step to reinventing your career self,” Robicheaux said. “Scour the newspapers and Internet to see what jobs companies are seeking to fill. Learn where the job growth is occurring and see what industries are expected to lead in the coming decades.”

Network. “Talk to people in the field you are pursuing,” Scott-Trammell said. “Go to conferences or meetings where professionals in your field will be, then get to know them, network, talk about their needs – be part of the solution.”

Be open-minded. “There are lots of jobs people won’t open up possibilities to, but don’t rule out a job before you even know what it is,” Robicheaux said. “Some positions that often get scoffed at, he said, might be fulfilling or lucrative and allow you to use your skillset.”

Sports are an enjoyable past-time, but they should be just that. Youth sports and marriages can be ruined by an adult’s addiction to the game.

As players take the field for fall sports like football, experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) remind adults that an obsessive focus on any sport can deter kids from playing and damage relationships.

Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor of human studies in the UAB School of Education, said while parents do not purposefully take the joy out of their children’s games, being overzealous about their abilities, effort or participation can do just that.

“Young athletes have two needs that should be fulfilled, and those are to feel worthy and have fun,” explained Sims, who was a middle- and high-school teacher and coach for 20 years.

“When a sport is no longer fun – if the child feels the sport is more like a job – they will quit,” she said. “It’s sad to see them walk away.”

Josh Klapow, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Public Health, added that parents’ good intentions can get in the way of kids’ sports.

“Conflict arises when we are unable to distinguish between what we want for our children and what we wanted for ourselves in the past,” Klapow said. “When the lines get blurred, that is where problems start.”

Klapow noted that sports can start problems in an adult’s life, kids or no kids, and said red flags include if sports cause them to miss important family gatherings or become violent.

“Listen to those around you,” he advised. “If family and friends say you are taking it too far, be brave enough to back off a bit.”

Klapow offered the following tips to manage a sports addiction:

Set limits, such as one sporting event per week.

Substitute new behaviors for sports viewing, such as exercise or spending time with family or friends.

Seek help from a mental-health professional to help address concerns regarding your habit.

Gabriel Tajeu“We all dream of turning our hobbies into our livelihood, and we tend to read about and see the success stories – the stories of someone who has decided to give up a job and pursue their hobby as a career,” Klapow said. “What we don’t see are the failures. Pursuing a hobby as a vocation is not always the best move.”

Gabriel Tajeu is enjoying the best of both worlds. A doctoral student and graduate research assistant in UAB’s School of Public Health, he also plays guitar in a cover band and released his own CD, “Finding My Way.”

Music is not just a hobby to him.

“It’s always been something that I would consider turning into a career if the door was opened to me, so I have continued to work on my music while pursuing my other passion, academia,” Tajeu said. “I love both of the things I do. Admittedly though, pursuing music as a main source of income and my primary career is a bit more terrifying. I would face a lot more economic uncertainty, and I’d be away from friends and family a lot.”

“All of those are hobbies, and I would not want it any other way,” Withrow said. “As soon as you start ‘having’ to do something for a living, you run a significant risk of all of the fun and enjoyment being replaced by pressure and deadlines.”

Turning a hobby into a job can make it a requirement, not an escape, Klapow said. Many people underestimate the elements common to most jobs that can be stressful: the pressure to earn money and to conform to consumer, customer and market demands, as well as the logistics such as fiscal projections, human resource issues, taxes, wages and more. All of those elements can take a hobby and turn it into something less than enjoyable.

Before taking the plunge, Klapow said to first do a gut check and ask:

If I truly have to do my hobby every day all day long, will I grow tired of it?

What are the true financial implications of pursuing my hobby as a job; can I realistically make a living?

How much harder will I need to work at my hobby if I make it a job; will the extra work take away from the fun of the hobby?

Am I better off enjoying certain aspects of my job and having the time and freedom to do my hobby on my terms?

“The key to success is honesty with yourself,” Klapow said. “Do not be blinded by what looks like, on the surface, a dream come true.”

]]>thomason@uab.edu (Shannon Thomason)News You Can UseThu, 29 Aug 2013 12:59:37 -0500Working through a cancer diagnosis – tips for the survivor in the workplacehttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3701-working-through-a-cancer-diagnosis-tips-for-the-survivor-in-the-workplace
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3701-working-through-a-cancer-diagnosis-tips-for-the-survivor-in-the-workplaceIt’s not always easy, but a cancer education expert and survivor offer ways to make it through the workday despite having the disease.

A person is considered a cancer survivor from the minute they are diagnosed with the disease. Tips from experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) can help survivors continue pre-diagnosis daily routines that may include working; one such expert, a cancer survivor herself, experienced firsthand the benefits and challenges of survivorship in the workplace.

Before heading back to the office, a patient and their doctor must consider the type of treatment, stage of the cancer, overall health and the kind of work, according to the American Cancer Society. Teri Hoenemeyer, director of education and supportive services at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, said employers are required to support a survivor’s decision.

“Cancer is classified as a disability, and working survivors have protections and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so employers will need to provide time for doctor’s appointments and treatments that may go above and beyond Family Medical Leave,” Hoenemeyer explained. “If they are suffering from fatigue or have a special needs, employers will need to consider making reasonable accommodations.”

Five years ago, Mary Gibson, R.N., associate vice president of Physician Services and UAB Connect for the UAB Health System, was diagnosed with Stage II A invasive ductal carcinoma. Gibson underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiation; and she went to work through it all at UAB.

“Cancer is of course your primary focus when you are going through it, but doing my job provided me that sense of normalcy – something to think about besides all of the treatments,” Gibson explained.

While Gibson describes the work and cancer combination as exhausting, she said it can be done and offered tips for others:

Take it all in one bit at a time – one day, one treatment, one surgery, one radiation

Though it can be difficult, stay positive

Understand that cancer will take away your hair, your energy and control of your schedule, but it will give back many new things

Hoenemeyer said once back in the workplace following a diagnosis, survivors must take extra special care of themselves.

“Extra rest, a healthy diet, physical activity and low stress are all important factors to the survivor at work,” Hoenemeyer said. “Take time out of the day to do something that focuses on managing stress and anxiety; it could be meditation, sitting still with some music or taking a walk.

“Working through cancer, naturally you will have additional stress, but work can be positive in that it provides social support and access to resources and people that can help get you through the disease,” she explained.

Gibson noted that her co-workers were a fabulous support system – offering notes of encouragement, a joke and even a smile.

“Cancer absolutely changes your life, but I can truly say I gained much more than I could ever have imagined following my diagnosis,” Gibson said. “It opened a world with new friends and love; a world with laughter and ‘good’ tears; a world of ‘yes, I really do appreciate today’ and ‘oh, look the sky is so blue;’ and a new world of thankfulness for new opportunities.”

School’s back and with it comes the need to buckle down to study. All work and no play, though, can dull the senses, and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) experts recommend after-school play to help kids blow off steam and explore their creative side.

“Studies show that extracurricular activity has positive associations correlated to school attachment, school completion/graduation and grade-point average,” said Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor of human studies in the UAB School of Education.

“It has a positive effect on children and can increase self-confidence, promote responsibility, encourage kids to work as a team, provide an opportunity for new friendships and plant the seed for a life-long hobby or future career,” said Kimberly Kirklin, director of ArtPlay, the education and outreach initiative of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

There are many options from which to choose — team sports to ballet — with benefits aplenty.

“Besides the health benefits of exercise, research shows that physical activity can enhance mental clarity through the increase of blood flow and oxygen to the brain and improve academic achievement,” Sims said.

Experts suggest these things to consider when selecting activities:

Get them moving. “Extracurricular activities that involve aerobic activity and muscular strength such as recreational sport teams are an excellent choice,” Sims said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should be active 60 minutes or more each day; most of these minutes should be aerobic activity. “Our bodies were designed to move and play, we just need to find activities that they enjoy,” Sims said.

Make it fun. “The main focus is to find an activity that your child enjoys,” Sims said. “You don’t want your kid going to an activity kicking and screaming. It should be a pleasure, not a pain.”

Start at home. Instead of trucking over to a facility, you can have after-school fun at home. “Walking, biking and hiking are inexpensive activities that can be great for the whole family,” Sims said.

Go solo. “Team sports are not for all children; however, they are an excellent choice for children who enjoy them,” Sims said. “Individual sports also are a great choice. Swimming, tennis and gymnastics are offered in many communities and are a great alternative to team sports.”

Find the inner artist. “The arts provide opportunities for children of all ages, personalities and abilities,” Kirklin said. “A more outgoing, athletic student may enjoy hip hop or modern dance classes or acting. A child who might prefer to work more independently could take a music class, visual art or creative writing.”

Don’t go in debt. “Don’t let money be a deterrent to exploring opportunities for your child,” Kirklin said. Many organizations, such as ArtPlay, offer financial assistance to ensure children can have access to quality arts experiences. For more information, visit www.ArtPlayASC.org or call 205-975-4769.

Don’t overdo it. “Balance is the key,” Sims said. “Overscheduling after-school hours with activities may cause burnout and fatigue. Don’t push children until they lose the joy of playing and competing.”

]]>masutton@uab.edu (Marie Sutton)News You Can UseTue, 20 Aug 2013 13:34:05 -0500Help kids head back to school with confidencehttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3666-help-kids-head-back-to-school-with-confidence
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3666-help-kids-head-back-to-school-with-confidence

Heading back to the classroom can make some children anxious, but UAB experts say good communication can help ease back-to-school fears.

Getting back on the bus and into the classroom can make children anxious for many reasons, but experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) say good communication can help parents and caregivers ease back-to-school fears.

“Children going into first, sixth or ninth grades often have the most anxiety leading into the new school year because they likely are entering a new school,” says Larry Tyson, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Human Studies and coordinator for the Counselor Education program.

“When you are the new kid on the block, not knowing many people can make you self-conscious about how you will fit in,” said Tyson, who spent 15 years as a middle- and high-school counselor. “These transition years are big for students figuring out how they will initially fit into this big-school setting.”

Tyson suggested forming a partnership with the school counselor, no matter the student’s age.

“Parents should see counselors as child advocates – as their liaison in the school when something isn’t working the way it should or they want,” Tyson explained. “My advice is to not be a stranger; make an appointment once or twice a year, and let the people at the school see and hear from you. You don’t have to have your child with you. This will help.”

Starting a new school may not be the only stress-trigger for a child, says Josh Klapow, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Public Health.

“New situations that arise during the summer – changing to a different school system, hitting a growth spurt or experiencing a parental divorce – all can lead to extra anxiety for a child,” Klapow said.

To help children adjust, Klapow suggested the following:

Establish a social connection before going back to school – one familiar face can reduce stress.

If children are age 12 or younger, notify the school/teacher/counselor if they have experienced a familial change so any struggles can be communicated.

Tweens and teens will not always offer up what is bothering them – ask open-ended questions and let them talk to you about what they think will help their situation.

“Change of any sort can be stressful, so watch your child and be a silent observer,” Klapow said. “Give them time to adjust and transition. Recognize that there will be some tough times, but they can be worked through.”

]]>nwyatt@uab.edu (Nicole Wyatt)News You Can UseTue, 13 Aug 2013 15:16:45 -0500Tips from the front lines: Coping with ADHD in the classroomhttp://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3659-tips-from-the-front-lines-coping-with-adhd-in-the-classroom
http://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/3659-tips-from-the-front-lines-coping-with-adhd-in-the-classroom

For teachers and parents of a child with ADHD, the beginning of school leads to new challenges and opportunities for learning.

As a new school year approaches, an estimated 55 million children will return to classrooms, and some of them bring a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with them. For teachers and parents of a child with ADHD, the beginning of school leads to new challenges and opportunities for learning.

“ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorder that affects 6 percent of school-age children,” said Laura Montgomery-Barefield, M.D., associate professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). “As children and teens return to class, it is important to reassess the need for new strategies at home and school.”

ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention or controlling impulsive behaviors without regard to consequences, or they may be overly active. The CDC says the reported rate of ADHD in Alabama is among the highest in the nation, and that the rate of diagnosis nationwide increased by 22 percent between 2003 and 2007.

Montgomery-Barefield suggests that parents and teachers should work together to create an ADHD-friendly study environment at both home and school. This can include introducing good study skills and time management techniques.

She says medication management is an effective treatment for ADHD. As students get older, medication regimens may need to be adjusted to include coverage for homework.

“As with any chronic condition, it is important to partner with a child psychiatrist or pediatrician to ensure that your child receives the best treatment,” she said. “And get feedback from teachers.”

Angela Walker, an elementary school principal in Shelby County and a doctoral candidate in early childhood education at the UAB School of Education, has studied coping strategies for students with ADHD.

The most effective was to call the student by name, touch the student, use a private signal word or simply move closer to the student. Eighty-three percent of teachers thought this strategy was effective at least 75 percent of the time.

“During my research, I really came to feel that ADHD is not so much a disorder as it is a different way of learning,” Walker said. “Students with ADHD need hands-on learning, as well as physical and intellectual engagement. We know that all kids benefit from student engagement, but it is essential for kids with ADHD. They require this kind of approach in order to learn.”

Walker reports that her survey of 109 elementary teachers in a suburban Alabama school district identified nine strategies that teachers said were the most effective tools to manage a child with ADHD.

The most effective was to call the student by name, touch the student, use a private signal word or simply move closer to the student. Eighty-three percent of teachers thought this strategy was effective at least 75 percent of the time.

The other most effective techniques were praising any effort in waiting for turns (78 percent effective); giving verbal compliments for improved work or behavior (77 percent); teaching activities that encouraged active response such as talking, moving, organizing or working at the board (74 percent); and allowing the student to sit closer to the teacher (72 percent).

“The most effective strategies seem to have a theme of praising and engaging students,” said Walker. “That appears to be a really effective combination.”

Other successful strategies Walker reported were asking a student to explain back to the teacher their understanding of directions (66 percent); allow directed movement in the classroom or change in seating that is not disruptive (62 percent); allow standing during seatwork – especially at the end of a task (60 percent); and giving the child an activity reward such as running an errand, cleaning the room or organizing the teacher’s desk (60 percent).

Walker suggests that parents and caregivers can reinforce these strategies at home to create a unified environment.

“It is important to note that with appropriate medical treatment and in an appropriate learning environment, ADHD students usually excel and rise to their academic potential,” said Montgomery-Barefield. “ADHD is only a disability when treatment is inadequate.”